When Eyes Light Up: The Lasting Impact of Year-End Giving to LEAF 742

As the year comes to a close, many people take time to reflect on what matters most and how they can make a lasting difference. Year-end giving is a powerful way to support LEAF 742 and the students and teachers of District 742. Your generosity helps bring classrooms to life—funding essential supplies, innovative learning opportunities, and programs that ensure every student has the support they need to thrive.

This impact is felt far beyond the classroom. Recently, thanks to a LEAF 742 grant, the 6th grade football team at North Junior High received brand-new jerseys for the first time in 10 years! When the players saw them, their coach shared that their eyes “lit up like it was Christmas morning.” For many of these students, it was more than just a uniform; it was a moment of pride, belonging, and feeling valued. Every one of these athletes was also able to play at no cost thanks to LEAF’s Middle School Activity Fee Elimination Fund. And for players who needed football cleats, LEAF covered those expenses through our Activities Participation Fund, ensuring no student was left on the sidelines due to financial barriers.

In addition to traditional year-end donations, planned giving offers a meaningful way to align your philanthropy with your long-term goals. Gifts through donor-advised funds, required minimum distributions, or other planned giving options allow you to make a thoughtful, sustained impact—often with added tax advantages. By planning your gift, you help ensure LEAF 742 can continue creating moments like these for years to come. As you finalize your year-end giving, we invite you to consider how your generosity today can open doors, build confidence, and create brighter futures for District 742 students.