Naperville High Schoolers Help Veterans Spruce Up VFW

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day weekend than by giving back to those who served? That's exactly what dozens of Naperville volunteers did on May 9, joining forces to spruce up the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.

Kristen Jungles from the Jungles Group organized the "Give Back to Community Day" event, inviting neighbors to spend their Saturday morning transforming the VFW's landscaping. Mike Rechenmacher ordered six yards of peatmoss to prepare garden plots and planters for spring flowers.

Members of the Waubonsie Valley High School Veterans Support Club showed up ready to work. The students spread peatmoss and prepared beds for flowers that had been ordered during the VFW's recent plant sale.

The volunteers got an unexpected bonus during their work. A massive lilac bush in full bloom released its sweet fragrance across the property, and many volunteers hadn't even noticed it before.

"We didn't even know it was here," Jungles said. "And it's huge!"

Sunny's Take

There's something special about young people choosing to spend their weekend honoring veterans. These high school students could have been anywhere else on a Saturday morning, but they chose to show up with shovels and smiles. The Veterans Support Club members didn't just beautify a building. They sent a powerful message that their community's veterans matter, that their service is remembered, and that the next generation is ready to serve in their own way.

The morning embodied what Jungles called "the perfect blend of purpose and positivity." Volunteers came and went as their schedules allowed, with every pair of hands making a difference.

Jungles herself knows a thing or two about giving back. The Army veteran was recently named 2026 Citizen of the Year by American Legion Naperville Post 43 for her community service and fundraising efforts. She also helps organize Freedom Tailgate, an annual summer event with live music and food that raises money for VFW facility improvements.

This August's Freedom Tailgate will fund exterior painting for the VFW Post. Previous events have paid for new bar seating and updates throughout Kendall Hall, ensuring veterans have a welcoming space to gather.

When students and community members show up to serve those who served, everyone wins.