On Dec. 2, when paper lanterns light up the night across Forest Park, wishes will be coming true thanks to the efforts of three fifth-graders. 

Needing to find a way to complete service hours for National Elementary Honors Society, Samson Reyes, Elouise Billingsley, and Maya Pesanti, who attend Field-Stevenson Intermediate Elementary School, came up with the idea to make and sell lantern kits, donating the money toward the Make-A-Wish Foundation so critically ill children can be granted their wishes. 

The idea started off by the recommendation of Samson’s mom, who suggested he and Elouise do a project for charity as part of his volunteer hours with NEHS. The two friends invited Maya to participate, and the three of them began to work on making the lantern kits, taking inspiration from neighboring Oak Park and the luminaria that light up the holiday nights in December.

“Oak Park does it but our neighborhood doesn’t, so we thought it would be cool if we did it too,” Maya said. 

The three began working on the kits about a month ago, which each come with 10 paper bags, 10 candles, and one bag of sand, for people to make their paper lanterns which will be used on Dec. 2.

“Everyone on that same day will put out their lanterns on their walk away and everyone will have it,” Maya said. 

To date, they have sold about 50 kits at $10 each.  

So far, the response from the community has been great. 

“They all thought it was pretty cool,” Maya said. “All of them knew that Oak Park did it and they were happy that Forest Park was doing it.” 

The kids were also able to start chipping away at their NEHS 10-hour requirement as packing the kits has counted towards that total as well. Maya said she was able to cross off six hours with just packing.  

Not only are the proceeds going to a great cause, but Samson also said one of the best parts of the fundraiser for him was spending time with his friends to pack the kits. 

“It is helping a lot of kids,” Maya said. 

“And it is helping the Make-A-Wish foundation,” Elouise added. 

Maya’s dad, Steve Pesanti, said he was proud of the work the kids are doing. 

“I think it’s amazing and they have sold so many,” he said. “It is going to be such a boom for the Make-A-Wish foundation. I am so proud they have done it.” 

The trio will be selling the kits until Nov. 26 and orders can be placed through their Facebook page: Forest Park Wish Upon a Light.