WFF News
Dec. 22, 2011
Wood Family Foundation gives 428 students coats, toys at Von Humboldt Elementary
WFF, Salvation Army turned gym into 'Winter Wonderland'
CHICAGO -- Kerry Wood and the Wood Family Foundation (WFF) spread some holiday cheer yesterday by surprising the students of Von Humboldt Elementary with new coats and toys for Christmas. In partnership with The Salvation Army, Kerry and his wife, Sarah, transformed the school's gymnasium into a "Winter Wonderland" complete with fake snow, Christmas trees and a visit from Santa Claus.
Students from each grade were invited into the gym by principal Alexandra Sophia Guilamo, who announced each child's name upon receiving a gift bag from Santa. Teammate Marlon Byrd and his wife, Andrea, joined the festivities as "Santa's helpers" and escorted children through the holiday scenario including a "treat" station, class photo with Kerry and Sarah, a visit with Santa, a Beanie Baby giveaway and an autographed baseball photo of Kerry Wood.
In total, 428 students received brand new coats and toys in their gift bags. "We are so grateful to the Wood Family Foundation for choosing Von Humboldt Elementary and to be able to surprise our kids today has been very exciting!" exclaimed Guilamo.
Located in Chicago's Humboldt Park area, Von Humboldt Elementary has a student population that is 100 percent low income. The Wood Family Foundation chose to support Von Humboldt after touring the school and seeing the great work being done by the school's administration.
"Today was such an amazing experience for everyone. We wish all the generous donors and sponsors who supported this program could have seen the smiles they helped put on these kids' faces," explained Wood.
The Wood Family Foundation (WFF) is a non-profit organization that was founded in June 2011 by pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife, Sarah. The WFF works to improve the lives of children in and around Chicago by raising funds and awareness for children's charities and the causes they support. The WFF acts as an advocate for children in the Chicago community, inspiring others to join them in their mission of giving children the resources they need to succeed.
