Inspired by Will To Succeed Foundation,
Beloit's St. Johns' Students Pursue Hands-on Charity Work
07-07-04 (see story following)

Many Thanks to Donna & Robert O'Conner for arrangements made and hosting the group in your home!

Ten, 9th grade students from St. John’s High School, Beloit, Kansas, traveled 240 miles to Kansas City on a mission to help other students and children. 

Sharon Kresin, the school’s elementary librarian, worked this past year with St. John’s students, parents and community to support Kansas City Chiefs’ Will Shields’ Will To Succeed Foundation’s Special Teams Program. The students’ inspired efforts led to the collection of over 1,300 books, clothing and other items all donated to Foundation initiatives.   

Many students were additionally moved by a video about Kansas City’s, Operation Breakthrough which Will to Succeed supports.  This video portrayed the challenges and needs experienced by those children attending the largest charitable daycare facility in Missouri. Having heard of other groups taking part in hands-on charitable actions, the Beloit students inquired about personally visiting Operation Breakthrough. 

With Foundation guidance, Kresin, her husband Keith and fellow teacher, Marcy Kee, made preparations, then accompanied the group of ninth graders on the three day mission trip to Kansas City.                                                                                           Sponsors >>>

Their trip consisted of a half day visit to Operation Breakthrough where the students toured the site and then interacted with the staff and children. Arrangements were also made by Prairie Village, residents Donna and Robert O’Conner, for the group to spend two days doing maintenance work at Kansas City, Kansas, Argentine area’s Our Lady of Unity School. 

School principal, Karen Davis commented that the Beloit students visiting her school was wonderful experience.  Besides painting several rooms, sorting school materials and took down old basketball goals, the students also were inspired to create a 50 foot, “under-the-sea” mural in the school’s cafeteria.  The group has already expressed interest in returning next year. 

During the visit the Foundation, along with the help of the Qdoba restaurant (39th St, KCKS), treated the group of kids and their sponsors to dinner.  The dinner was attended by several board members.   The highlight of the gathering occurred when Chiefs jerseys sporting Will's number 68 was presented to the teen-agers.  During this time, the Foundation praised the the teen-agers' spirit and willingness to help others during their summer vacation.

The Will To Succeed Foundation was created in 1993 by Kansas City Chiefs All-pro offensive guard Will Shields and his wife, Senia, to inspire, guide and improve the lives of abused, battered and neglected women and children and others less fortunate. The Foundation is involved with Operation Breakthrough, Niles Home For Children, Keys Youth Center, Marillac Center, Safe Home and other metropolitan based agencies.  

Shields’ recently initiated Will To Succeed Foundation’s Special Teams Program provides established strategies with links to identified outlets, agencies and programs in need of charitable support. It also offers participants facilitation guidelines of operation, promotion and exposure in creating a “team effort” of helping others. 

“The ongoing and growing support of our initiatives has been amazing,” Shields said.  “People are learning about the need and are stepping up.  It’s an example of unselfish giving.  The students from Beloit and their surrounding Solomon Valley area are a good example!” 

Learn more about getting involved with the Will to Succeed Special Teams Program.

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