St. Teresa Catholic High School in Decatur, Illinois is the home to on one of the few Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapters in the area. This year, St. Teresa FBLA created the “Baskets of Hope” initiative to create Easter Baskets for foster children and at-risk youth in Decatur in partnership with Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy. The results were shockingly impactful on the Decatur area, St. Teresa Catholic High School in Decatur, Illinois is the home to on one of the few Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapters in the area. This year, St. Teresa FBLA created the “Baskets of Hope” initiative to create Easter Baskets for foster children and at-risk youth in Decatur in partnership with Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy. The results were shockingly impactful on the Decatur area, especially the youth within it.


A study done in February of 2025 by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) shows that there are 184 foster children in Macon County, within which is the city of Decatur. As of 2022, Illinois.gov reported that DCFS provided $388-$656 of financial support to foster parents. While this provides for necessities, it often does not cover additional costs such as gifts. Due to this, many of Macon County’s at-risk and foster youth experience a bleak, gift-less Easter.

To address this issue St Teresa High School’s FBLA chapter partnered with Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy, an organization that provides support and services to at-risk youth and foster children in the area, to build Easter Baskets for families with youth in need.


St Teresa Future Business Leaders of America is a faith oriented club dedicated to professional development and community service. Students in FBLA learn to collaborate with organizations like Webster Cantrell, secure sponsorships from local businesses, and give back to their community. This project was entirely conceptualized and carried out by St Teresa’s 11 members to bring Christ’s light to the Decatur area and raise awareness for organizations like Webster Cantrell and their fantastic programs.

St Teresa FBLA fund-raised over $300 for the “Baskets of Hope”, and encouraged students to write sponsorship letters to reach out to local businesses to fund the project. They would like to thank Artime & Wherley Family Dentistry for donating toothbrushes and toothpaste, the Diocese of Springfield for donating rosaries, and Giggles Gift Shop and Bakery for donating stuffed animals.


Overall, students curated and wrapped 30 Easter Baskets packed with candy, stuffed toys, art supplies, and necessities for foster youth in the area.

“I’m proud of the team for going above and beyond expectations”- Sandra Bronson, St Teresa FBLA Adviser.

Foster children and at-risk youth deserve the love and happiness that most children receive on joyous holidays like Easter. You can help these children by supporting Webster Cantrell and local FBLA Chapters near you to continue projects such as these.

• Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy
• Illinois FBLA