MPA Middle School students put the spirit of the season into action by volunteering with Chicago’s Christmas in the Wards initiative, helping wrap holiday gifts for families across the city on Dec. 12, 2025 at McCormick Place.
The service learning project provided students with an opportunity to serve their community while supporting an initiative dedicated to spreading joy and meeting needs during the holiday season.
At the invitation of Illinois Sen. Elgie R. Sims Jr. and his staff, MPA students jumped in and helped other volunteers wrap presents, organize prizes and invitations, and set up for the weekend’s upcoming National Conference of the Council of State Governments.
Throughout the day, the students demonstrated flexibility and teamwork when plans changed, handled unexpected challenges with maturity, and continued to represent their school and families positively in every setting.
“All day, I received compliments about our students,” Middle School assistant principal Sandra Burgess said. “We’re proud of how they represented our school and their families.
“I hope that they feel good about the service they participated in and know that they helped brighten this holiday season for many, many families in the Chicagoland area.”
