Students Helping Others (SHO) is a service-based club at Schaumburg High School dedicated to making a positive impact both within the school and throughout the surrounding community. Meeting every other Monday after school in Room 245, SHO provides students with consistent opportunities to volunteer, give back, and engage in meaningful civic action.
Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, SHO members have participated in a wide range of service projects. One of the club’s major efforts was a Cereal Drive benefiting Schaumburg Township, held from September 15 to September 19. Over the course of the week, students collected two full carts of cereal stacked three boxes high, which were delivered to the Township to support families in need.
The drive was organized after Township representatives reached out over the summer to ask if Schaumburg High School would be interested in hosting it. The response from students demonstrated a strong willingness to help meet local needs.
In addition to donation drives, SHO works to connect members with volunteer opportunities across the community. Students have volunteered at events such as the Hanover Park Park District Fall Fun Fest, Saturday with Santa at Nerge Elementary School, Dirksen’s Holiday Fun Fair, and District 54’s Multicultural Event. Members also volunteer together at GiGi Fest and assist with activities that support organizations such as Cal’s Angels, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and the Almost Home Foundation.
A long-standing tradition of the club is participation in Schaumburg Township’s Adopt-a-Family program, which SHO has been involved in since 2008. The program is coordinated through the Township, with the sponsor overseeing Schaumburg High School’s participation. At the beginning of the school year, staff members, clubs, teams, and departments are invited to adopt a senior citizen, an individual with a disability, or a family of varying sizes.
In November, wish lists are distributed, and participating groups shop for and wrap gifts. SHO then collects all donated items, loads them onto a truck, and delivers them to the Township. This year, Schaumburg High School helped provide holiday gifts for fifteen families, including 40 children, as well as eight seniors or individuals with disabilities.
SHO members participate in creative service projects, such as making Halloween cards for pediatric patients, Valentine’s cards for veterans, holiday cards for residents at Encore Village, decorations for St. Baldrick’s events, and no-sew fleece blankets for foster kittens. The club also collaborates with Student Council and National Honor Society for the Thanks for Giving food drive.
Participation in SHO allows students to experience the impact of service firsthand. Volunteering supports civic engagement while also helping students build empathy, connect with others, and understand the importance of contributing to their community. Through both large-scale initiatives and small acts of kindness, Students Helping Others continues to make a meaningful difference at Schaumburg High School and beyond.
“I am proud of the number of people that want to make an impact and help those in need. Seeing the number of gifts that we provide is rewarding and I am happy that our school has the ability to make someone’s holiday better,” said Ms. Dvorak, the sponsor of the club.
