LWSE D843 Students Raise Funds for Autism Speaks Event at Soldier Field

The students from one Lincoln-Way Special Education District 843 STEP class took the lead in a fund-raising effort on behalf of Walk Now for Autism Speaks.

The STEP class for children with autism at Mokena Intermediate School worked for a week, crafting and selling blue puzzle pieces—the symbol selected to represent the need for autism research, funding and family services. The puzzle pieces are part of a theme, "Light it up Blue," which aims to draw attention to the statistical reality that 1 out of every 54 boys and 1 out of 88 children are affected with autism, according to the Autism Speaks website.  

Autism Speaks has organized Walk Now for Autism Speaks events nationwide in May and June. Chicago's Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraiser is planned for May 18. The students in the STEP program at Mokena Intermediate are planning to attend.

Kim Crafton, social worker at MIS, said, "Our STEP students sold puzzle pieces during lunches all week.  Each puzzle piece was $1."

The winning class, the 5th graders in teacher Jan Grice's room, raised the most money to support the local autism team of STEP students. All together, the STEP team raised $1,080 for the cause, said Crafton.   

The Mokena-based students plan to walk along with other youngsters, family members and supporters from LW SE D183's Pioneer Grove Educational Center, ADDREWS. "Afterwards we will return to Pioneer Grove to enjoy a picnic lunch provided by the Frankfort Area Jaycees, along with a donated bounce house and clown to entertain the kids," she said.

For more information about Autism Speaks, visit the website.

Get news alerts and Facebook updates from these Lincoln-Way Patch sites: 

New Lenox / Mokena / Frankfort

Like New Lenox / Mokena / Frankfort on Facebook.