GLANCING THE GALLANT | Oswego Woman Gives a Colorful Gift from the Heart to Students In Need

by Kristen Kucharski

INTRODUCING KARA NEITZEL OF OSWEGO

As an employee of Scholastic, Inc. it’s no wonder that Kara is used to ‘opening a world of possible’ for kids around the world. This is a dream job of hers and she feels blessed to spend each day ensuring equity in education. Beyond her day job, she is immersed in the lives of children from teaching voice lessons, directing youth theater, and serving her community.

With the continued uncertainty of the upcoming school year, Kara took on a passion project.

“I kept thinking of little ones starting the school year remotely, and my heart ached for them,” she shares. “I wanted to do something to make back-to-school more exciting, especially for those kiddos whose families are struggling financially amid COVID-19.”

Kara understands the feeling of uncertainty.

“I’ve had furloughs from work, and I struggle with anxiety; so, I’ve been trying to keep myself busy,” she adds.

In response, she has assembled special baskets containing a notebook, coloring book, activity book, pencil pouch, water bottle, glue stick, pencil sharpener, highlighter, markers, crayons, pencils, erasers, scissors, and stickers and is offering them to any child in need. This is a gift from the heart, and she is fortunate that her family and friends have also stepped forward to contribute financially if the need for distribution is beyond her personally means.

It has been said - that a person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen, and a hand willing to help others. #WeAreAllInThisTogether -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted

ALL GLANCING THE GALLANT

ALL DUPAGE

ALL KANE

ALL KENDALL