A youth choir on the Far South Side has some big plans for the future, but there is one thing that keeps getting in the way -- a lack of funds.
The Oakdale Youth Gospel Choir, based in the Washington Heights neighborhood, has a total of 100 students ranging from third grade to 12th grade. The students have been singing and traveling together for five years, performing in places like Sweden and Haiti, among others.
Next on their agenda? New York.
The trip to the Big Apple is not guaranteed, however. This is because the choir can barely make ends meet. Most of the choir expenses are coming out of the parents' own pockets, said Phalese Binion, president of the Parent Teacher Organization.
"No one is getting paid," Binion said. "Everyone is a volunteer. We have fundraisers to help raise money for the choir."
The choir is currently selling taffy apples to raise money for the New York trip. If you'd like to donate, visit the choir's website and find out where you can send money.
You can also watch the choir rehearse every Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Oakdale Christian Academy, located at 9440 S. Vincennes Ave.
