The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation

Welcomes You

The Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, fundraising organization of Glenview School District 34 parents and community members dedicated to providing support for students and their families experiencing hardships and crises. This Foundation was formed to honor Debra Gelfand for her work and dedication to District 34.  Debra Gelfand was a Glenview mother of six sons, who worked to provide support for the school community through active participation in school events helping children, supporting teachers and staff, and more.  She also strongly believed in the importance of providing support for those children of D34 who were experiencing hardships. Debra passed away on July 4, 1990 at the age of 37. 

Please join us in honoring Debra Gelfand and her mission. The Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation relies solely on donations. Please donate now or contact us to volunteer to continue her mission with your time. All money and items raised by this foundation goes directly to help District 34 students and their families. 

You can make donations by clicking the button below or via checks by mail to:

Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation | PO Box 368 | Glenview, IL 60025

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“Anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me ”
– Fred Rogers

Join Us!

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The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation could not exist without District 34 parent volunteers! Consider joining us and becoming a part of what makes District 34 so special.

Contact us to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

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Where does my money go?

All donations received by the Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation go directly to the students and families of District 34. Foundation provides shoes, clothing, temporary transportation, rental and utility assistance, medical bill assistance, school supplies, books, uniforms, field trips, band instruments, and many other supports, to District 34 students who are experiencing an emergency crisis and/or financial needs. The Foundation works with all eight schools in the district. Our school social workers work directly with the students and families as liaisons to our Foundation.

Also part of the Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation are The Gelfand Necessities Closet and the Gelfand Gardens. Both of these amazing new additions to our Foundation could not have been possible without the amazing support from The Glenview United Methodist Church (“GUMC”). Both the Closet and the Gardens are located at GUMC-727 Harlem Avenue in Glenview. 

The Gelfand Necessities Closet provides cleaning supplies, hygiene products, school supplies, diapers and other baby products, and paper goods to our families in need. The closet is also supported by our social workers and families can reach out to them directly to access this support.

The Gelfand Gardens was another gift from our friends at GUMC. The Gardens are currently being used to support teaching and learning for our students through hands-on opportunities to plant, grow and harvest! The Gardens will be hosting several student field trips this fall. This summer, our summer school was invited to the Gardens and they weeded, dug holes, planted and watered!! Food that is grown will be donated to the Northfield Food Pantry. 

"A single act of kindness throws our roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves."

-Amelia Earhart

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