The Montini Catholic Peer Ministry team, guided by Director Katie Miller, recently completed a stuffed animal drive - collecting “furry friends” to bring comfort and reassurance to children served by the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC).  The Children’s Advocacy Center provides a coordinated, child-focused response when concerns of abuse arise. ​The center ensures that children and families receive the support they need in ​a safe and welcoming place​ and works to make sure children never have to navigate the process alone. "We hope that these stuffed animals will be more than a toy - they are meant to be a source of comfort, connection and emotional healing for children during a difficult time​," said Mrs. Miller.  (Studies in trauma, disaster and hospital contexts show that “comfort objects” (often blankets, stuffed animals, teddy bears) help children feel safe, reduce anxiety, and give a tangible anchor in a confusing or scary environment.

The drive was inspired by ​Bronco senior Ashlynn Lindt, a core leader ​o​f Montini’s Peer Ministry team.  "I grew up around prosecutors my whole life and my mother, father, and grandfather have been particularly involved in the protection and support of children," she said when asked what inspired her to act. "My grandfather was a judge and then became a Court Appointed Children’s Advocate in which he completely altered the lives of so many kids for the better. He was my biggest inspiration!" Ashley also observes this same drive she admire​d​ in her grandfather in her ​own parents. "My mother and father have worked as prosecutors for the DuPage County Sheriff’s Department for around 15 years and in the child and sex crimes unit each for around 9 years where they worked very closely with The Children’s Advocacy Center," she explained. "I originally had come up with the idea for the stuffed animals because I knew I wanted to contribute specifically to children, society’s most vulnerable." ​A​fter discussing with the team, and getting the green light, ​Ashlynn asked Mrs. Miller ​to contact the CAC on ​h​er behalf to find out if they would accept donated toys. "From there I spoke to my Mom and discovered how closely linked I was to the center​,​" added Ashlynn.  "​​I​ found out that Stephanie Mogensen, who is coordinating our delivery of the stuffed animals, has known me since I was little."

Ashlynn was thrilled to see her fellow Peer Ministry members embrace ​h​er idea​ - and even more excited when ​a few Montini alumni joined in​ after seeing a post online, dropping off stuffed animals to support the cause.​  

 

"We are so proud of Ashlynn for coming up with this great idea," said Chris Tiritilli, Principal at Montini. "All of our Peer Ministers lead with their hearts and we are so honored to have them represent our school." The ​Lasallian high school's Student Peer Ministry Team seeks to enrich the faith life of Montini Catholic​ students by allowing for more student-centered choice and engagement in retreats, small groups, prayer and volunteer experiences. Students must apply and be interviewed to become a member of the Peer Ministry Team and must continue to demonstrate a devotion to faith and leadership throughout the year they are members of the team.  Ashlynn, who is enjoying her second year on the team, was chosen to be one of its core leaders this year.

 

​"Throughout my ​P​eer Ministry journey​, I have learned that leadership is about empathy, not power​,​" said Ashlynn, (who has also taken on leadership roles in Cross Country (captain), Track (captain) and Student Government). "What I have​ learned from being a Core Team leader surpassed my expectations and altered my perspective on leadership​.​" Ashlynn was overwhelmed to discover the value of learning about others' experiences​,  Through her service in Peer Ministry, s​he is learning the importance of being ​a beacon of light for the marginalized.

 

​"Last Christmas season, ​w​e went to drop off gifts that Montini classes donated to different families in need​ (through Montini's Adopt-a-Family Christmas Drive). Seeing children running out with big smiles was promising, but the thing that left the biggest impact on me was the silent grimace on their parents' faces. The times they didn't seem appreciative or were simply silent. To put myself in their shoes and realize the feeling of not being able to provide a Christmas for their families was incredibly transformative.​"​ After this experience, Ashlynn vowed that she would try to connect more deeply with those ​s​he is helping and make them feel like they are being uplifted and not being treated as ​just another service project. ​"This kind of empathy comes from true connection to those we are helping and putting a face to the donations.​"

 

A​fter a successful drive and collecting close to 250 stuffed animals in one week, A​shlynn and her fellow Peer Ministry core members were honored to be able to deliver the donated stuffed animals to the CAC on Friday, November 7th. "We loved learning about the center and seeing how much we can leave an impact on the community​," she said.

 

Thanks to the generosity of ​A​shlynn and all Montini students​ who donated,​ hundreds of children will receive not just a stuffed animal, but a reminder that they are seen, supported​ and loved.