Stories from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

August 2009

 

With fall right around the corner, many families are preparing for the summer to end and the school year to begin. For children, this may simply mean the end of carefree summer fun and the start of classes and homework. For parents, however, this may mean the added financial stress of purchasing backpacks, notebooks, calculators and other school supplies for their children.

 

Now more than ever, the YMCA of Metro Chicago is dedicated to doing all that it can for these families and children in need. With the current economic climate, many families are struggling to afford even the basic necessities and for some, this sadly includes school supplies for their children. Through our involvement with the 500 neighborhood Currency Exchanges and their 5th Annual Back 2 School drive, the Y demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that our children’s right to a valuable education is not compromised by financial uncertainty.

 

The Community Currency Exchange Association of Illinois raised funds from employees, owners and sponsors, along with the general public, to provide supplies to help needy YMCA children start the school year on the right foot. Although the drive provided supplies to an astounding 1,800 children last year, thanks to a generous gift from Western Union, we were able to more than triple our numbers this year and help 6,100 children.

 

“Kits for Kidz,” Western Union, Legoland Discovery Center and I.C.E. prepaid debit cards joined the YMCA and the Community Currency Exchange Association of Illinois as official sponsors of this year’s Back 2 School campaign.

 

While this may be a tough year for many families across the region, the YMCA is dedicated to making it a fulfilling and successful school year for children. Let us continue to work together to help those in need and to ensure a promising future for our Chicagoland kids.