Circle K’ers help children dream big

Sometimes, in order to visualize your dream, it’s best to go ahead and put it down on paper. That’s exactly what Circle K’ers at DePaul University in Illinois urge children to do with their “Draw Your Dreams” project.

“More than 35 children from a Boys and Girls Club spent the day on DePaul’s campus and participated in a number of activities that encouraged them to think about the bright futures that lie ahead of them,” says club president Erin Kane.

The event usually is outdoors, where the children use chalk to draw on the sidewalks. But rain forced the group inside this year, so the children drew their dreams on paper—a tangible reminder of what they want to accomplish.

“It was very exciting to see the kids drawing their dreams,” Erin says. “We saw how excited the kids were to talk about what they want to be when they grow up. It motivated all of us to continue serving as positive role models and encouraging kids to work toward their dreams.”

The event also included education stations where students played fun math games, watched interactive science demos with DePaul’s Chemistry Club, played games, picked out prizes, and ate lunch.

DePaul Circle K’ers received a Tomorrow Fund grant to help cover the cost of the project, which is now in its third year. The club plans to continue this successful project for years to come.

“To eliminate barriers between high school and college for many young children,” Erin says, “DePaul Circle K would like to familiarize children and their families—many of whom would not have the opportunity to enjoy a college setting—with the university so they may be open and knowledgeable of the differences they can make in society.”