‘Seen, valued and supported’: Kids Above All holds annual backpack drive
The new school year is fast approaching, and while that can bring excitement to many students, for others it can cause anxiety.
To ensure every child begins the year fully prepared, Kids Above All is holding its annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive now through Aug. 20 with the goal to collect backpacks and essential school supplies for the 1,500 school-aged children served through its programs.
“For the children we serve, having the tools and resources they need at the start of the school year can provide confidence and dignity as they navigate significant challenges in their young lives,” said Sarah English, Chief Development Officer for Kids Above All, in an email.
“The Back-to-School Drive is a powerful example of how our community can come together to support children and young people and remind them that they are seen, valued, and supported.”
The organization is looking for donations of backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, and other school essentials for students in pre-K through 12th grade. Individuals, businesses, faith communities, and civic organizations are all invited to participate.
Supporters can shop from a curated Amazon Wishlist and have supplies directly shipped to Kids Above All’s Better Life Distribution Center at 1801 E. Oakton St., Des Plaines, or drop donations off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations are required to do so. Gift card donations are also appreciated.
To schedule a donation drop-off, volunteer, or learn more about the drive, contact Zulma Colon at (773) 794-7991 or zcolon@kidsaboveall.org.
Founded in 1894, Kids Above All provides early childhood education; safe, supportive housing; and trauma-informed counseling services throughout Chicago and in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties.
English talks more about Kids Above All and how to donate to the Back-to-School Backpack Drive.
Q: What is Kids Above All?
A: Kids Above All helps children and families overcome the impacts of poverty, trauma, and injustice. We provide early childhood education, safe and supportive housing, and trauma-informed counseling to help children heal, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Our Better Life Distribution Center provides essential items including clothing, diapers, school supplies, and hygiene products, to help families achieve greater stability.
Q: How many people do you serve each year?
A: Kids Above All serves more than 4,300 children and families each year across Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties.
Q: Where do most of your funds come from to support your work?
A: Kids Above All is primarily funded through government grants and contracts, with the largest share coming from the state of Illinois.
Philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and special events helps bridge the gap between government funding and the true cost of providing quality services to children and families.
Q: Tell us about the Back-To-School Backpack Drive.
A: Each year, Kids Above All hosts its annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive to provide backpacks and essential school supplies to 1,500 children, youth, and young adults in our programs.
This year’s drive runs through Aug. 20, and community members, businesses, and organizations can support the effort by donating new backpacks, school supplies, or making a financial contribution to help ensure every child starts the school year prepared and ready to learn.
Q: How can readers help your organization?
A: Community members can support Kids Above All by donating backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, gift cards, and other school essentials to help students from pre-K through 12th grade begin the year with the tools they need to succeed.
A complete list of the most needed items is available through our Amazon Wishlist.
We also welcome individual and group volunteers at our Better Life Distribution Center to help assemble backpacks and prepare supplies for children and families.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
A: The Back-to-School Backpack Drive is one example of how Kids Above All and our community partners work together to provide essential resources that help children and families overcome barriers.
Through our Better Life Distribution Center, we meet critical needs year-round by providing items such as school supplies, clothing, diapers, and hygiene products to the children, families, and individuals we serve. These resources promote stability and allow families to focus on building brighter futures.
For more information about Kids Above All and ways to support our work, visit our website or contact Sarah English at senglish@kidsaboveall.org.
kbecker@dailyherald.com
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Kids Above All
What: Back-to-School Backpack Drive
When: Now through Aug. 20
Donations: Shop from an Amazon Wishlist and ship to the Better Life Distribution Center, 1801 E. Oakton St., Des Plaines, or drop donations off from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Info: Contact Sarah English at senglish@kidsaboveall.org or visit kidsaboveall.org.