WACO is the Woodfield Area Children’s Organization, Inc. founded in 1979. WACO has been “creating positive childhood memories, providing basic needs, along with educational support for children living at or below poverty level in Chicago's northwest and western suburbs”. This all-volunteer, nonprofit, children’s organization has been helping impoverished children for 39 years. High energy volunteers, making a big impact within the community, have directly fostered growth and a variety of programs, within this organization. Some of those programs include, however are not limited to: “Swim into Summer Reading Program”, “School Supplies/Alpaca Backpack, How About You Drive”, the purchases of computers and printers which will benefit more than 1500 children and their parents, lastly and one which hits close to home, is the breakfast program at Jane Addams Jr. High School. Jane Addams happens to be the Jr. High School I attended as a child. I was also fortunate to have had the opportunity to give back as a volunteer myself. Some of my favorite events included: Chuy’s Fundraiser & Check Presentation Ceremony (above picture with WACO and Chuy’s staff), 17th Annual Wingfest, 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, 25th Annual Christmas Shopping Tour and certainly the Daily Herald’s, Best Martini in the Burbs Challenge, which had something for everyone. WACO continues to live their mission by showing others, “You never stand so tall as when you kneel to help a child”. A special thanks to all of the Board Members and Volunteers of WACO. It’s a special organization enriching the lives of improvised children and selfless volunteers.