MOUNT GREENWOOD — Sixty Easter baskets for homeless children were put together Tuesday afternoon by residents of Mercy Circle and students at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School.
The neighboring Mount Greenwood institutions made the baskets for children and teens living in Margaret's Village, which a operates a pair of shelter for women, children and families in Englewood.
The effort is the latest partnership between the all-girls Catholic school and the retirement home built for aging religious, including several members of the Sisters of Mercy. The 110-unit facility opened to laypeople in August.
"I've got the time. I've got the energy. I have my health. So, why not," Sister Jacquie Dewar said of her reasons for joining the volunteer effort.
Lauren Plesha, a junior at McAuley, volunteered at the urging of her mother, Cheryl. She is the treasurer of the Mother's Club at the high school at 3737 W. 99th St.
"It's fun. Plus, I like the bunnies," said Plesha, 17, of West Beverly.
Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) was also one of several local politicians who also pitched in. He said the baskets come at a time when statewide cutbacks have hurt places like Margaret's Village.
"It's just great that we are here with the Sisters of Mercy, who educated me and so many others, together working with students at Mother McAuley and the Mother's Club," O'Shea said.
