HER HEART RUNNETH OVER

Annie McAveeney’s ability to love knows no bounds.

“Everyone knows that poverty is out there, but un- less you’re in the trenches, it’s impossible to know the depth of what is going on,” McAveeney says. “The things we see—children going without food, clothing, a warm place to sleep—it’s heart wrenching. How can we not help? I’m grateful that Fill a Heart 4 Kids plays a role in supporting the most vulnerable with necessary resources to achieve brighter futures.”

In 2008, Fill a Heart 4 Kids (FAH4K) began as a family project for the McAveeneys after they fostered a child in their home. With her husband and daughters at her side, FAH4K launched with the Project Valentine WeCare PackagesTM to help children living in group facilities feel loved and remembered on Valentine’s Day. Then in 2015 at the urging of her dear friends and supporters, McAveeney helped FAH4K earn its 501(c)(3) status, broadening the organization’s ability to support at-risk youth. In Illinois alone, there are approximately 25,000 unaccompanied homeless youth and nearly 3,400 foster youth waiting to be adopted. State resources are spread thin. It’s critical for charities to work together to ensure at-risk children receive support and feel hope.

“These precious children have experienced unimaginable pain and suffering,” McAveeney says. “They struggle to focus in school because they are worried about finding a safe place to sleep at night, food, school supplies, or even soap to wash their clothes. They feel shame and sadness when they are bullied for wearing dirty clothes or when they hear classmates talking about birthday parties and holiday festivities. Some resort to trafficking themselves to obtain basic necessities. Many stop attending school at all.”

Today, with six full-time staff members, four part-time, one in-tern, and with as many as 12 additional seasonal employees including teachers, FAH4K supports 4,000 foster, McKinney-Vento (homeless), and at-risk children annually. In partnership with more than 6,000 volunteers, 81 vetted schools, and social service organizations, FAH4K provides food, clothing, tutoring, and life skills opportunities.

“We welcome children into our beautiful new space where we host workshops, educational programs, reading time with our service pups, and special celebrations. Our goal is to increase children’s self-worth, create a sense of belonging, and to be confident, and ready to learn,” she says. FAH4K is located behind Market Square in downtown Lake Forest. In conjunction with their generous donors and volunteers, FAH4K can now offer opportunities in its bright new space outfitted with study carrels, workspaces, technology, and even a learning kitchen. There is also a “store” on the first floor where volunteers and donors can “shop” for new items that will help reduce peer shaming and increase school attendance. “When we put out a cry for support, we only ask for items that address an immediate need—like Weekend Food Bags for children without access to food pantries. We don’t ask for anything that we can’t use right now. When we work together as a community, our children do better. When our children do better, our community does, too.”

FAH4K has more than 360 volunteer opportunities annually for individuals, groups, corporations, and team-building experiences. As they enter their 10th year as a certified nonprofit organization and nearly its 20th year helping underserved children, McAveeney believes that her work is only just beginning.

“I am so grateful for all that we’ve been able to build so far and the resources we have provided to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children,” she says. “Our goal is to have a beautiful campus one day—a safe place where children can come to live, learn, and be loved. That’s what we’re working towards.”

To learn more about kids in need, volunteering, teaching, field trips, corporate, and group team building experiences, visit fillaheart4kids.org.