WELCOME, KORTNEY!

We're so excited to welcome Kortney Morrow--our first-ever Development Associate through AmeriCorps VISTA--to the 826CHI family!


 

When Kortney's not analyzing Chappelle's Show skits (or 826CHI student data) or comparing Amy Winehouse lyrics to 14th century Italian sonnets, you can find her fantasizing about the pearl of Africa.


 

6-word memoir:

extra chipati with my rolex? yayyyy!
 


 

Read her full bio here >>

 
SCRABBLE FOR CHEATERS, 1/31

 

Scrabble for Cheaters--the Scrabble tournament with a dishonest twist, for an honest cause--comes to 826CHI on Saturday, January 31 at high noon.

We're recruiting teams of two to fundraise on behalf of 826CHI and use those [million$] to purchase officially-sanctioned "cheats," which help you swindle your way through Chicago's most unscrupulous Scrabble tournament (the final two rounds of which will be played onstage at Emporium Wicker Park).  

Dust off your Scrabble dictionary, start flexing those tile-choosing fingers, and email cheaters@826chi.org to register.

 
INTERN WITH US!

 

Looking to gain hands-on experience classroom teaching, developing curriculum, writing grant proposals, graphic designing, managing volunteers, or making books? 826CHI interns do all this--and even more--to help us serve thousands of students each year. 

Applications for winter/spring internships are due Wednesday, November 26th at 5pm

 
IMAGINARY LANDS CHAPBOOK

December 11th marks the school year's first Chapbook Release Party. Our After-School Tutoring & Writing students have been collaborating with local artists to create detailed maps of their imaginary lands, which include the far-off countries of Unicornapolis, Stickfigula, and Rocklandia. 

The release party will include readings from our student-authors and a community potluck. HOMEMADE FLAUTAS, Y'ALL. Join us!
 
826CHI FORWARD UPDATE

 

Our brand-new Dyson Air Blade hand driers are up and blowing our minds (...literally). Thanks to the Dyson team for their generous donation!

 

Helios Design-Build/Demeter Millwork are finalizing and preparing to install a variety of surfaces for our writing lab, including a giant front desk for our parent seating area, our morse code bookshelves, and cabinets for the publishing center. Stay tuned for photos and squeals of excitement.

 

Have you seen our 15-second stop-motion videos, created by volunteer Owen Lowery to illustrate our Capital Fund's various phases? Watch the first three here >>

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY


We're open noon to 5pm Sunday and Monday, and 11am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday. We'll be closed Thanksgiving Day.

If you haven't been by new space just yet, the perfect time to visit is on Small Business Saturday, November 29! Stop by for unique gifts and stocking stuffers, all while supporting local business and 826CHI.
 
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD

 

Our Youth Advisory Board is 20 high schoolers strong this year! We're meeting every other Monday night as "rising writers," with plans to publish a chapbook, hold an open-mic, and design a meaningful service-learning project this spring. 

Also, we're so excited to welcome back YAB alumna Tracy Woodley as our newest YAB lead facilitator!

...and for by-the-minute updates of what our volunteers and students are up to, visit our Facebook page
.
 
FROM OUR OFFICIAL PARTNERS

 

We are honored to announce a holiday partnership with Cole Haan; all regional stores will contribute a portion of their sales to us between Thanksgiving Day through New Years! Cole Haan has stores on Michigan Ave, and in Rosemont and Aurora. Store locator >>

Big ups to Peet's Coffee & Tea for graciously providing a mountain of K-Cups to keep 826CHI volunteers caffeinated and happy. Keep an eye out for 826CHI volunteer posters (designed by fabulous volunteer Audrey Greene) in all 16 new locations across Chicago.
NOVEMBER SPY OF THE MONTH: SHAUN

REAL NAME: Michael Light 

GLARING: Wardrobe malfunctions, at squirrels, problems with his syntax.

GRAZING: Between lunch and dinner on leftovers from breakfast.

GENEROUS: Spoonful of aoli on that, please

To read more of Shaun's file,  visit our web site >> 
 
   UPCOMING EVENTS                               

 

Wednesday, November 26, 5pm

-- Internship applications due for our winter/spring semester

 

Thursday, December 11, 5:30-7pm

--"Imaginary Lands" Chapbook Release Party

 

Saturday, January 31, high noon

--826CHI's Scrabble for Cheaters tournament, at 826CHI

 

Thanksgiving Day

--826CHI and the Secret Agent Supply Co. will be closed

 

Saturday, December 6, 11am-5pm

--Chicago Book Expo at Columbia College

 

Monday, December 15, 7-9pm

--Essay Fiesta at The Book Cellar

 
 
THANK YOU!


Our daily operations are made possible by myriad businesses, donors, and volunteers who graciously gave their time and resources this week, month, and entire year.

-Al Boese who helped secure a beautiful new binding machine for our publications center.

-Noble College Prep Juniors  who helped clean up our basement as a part of a community service project.

-Hannah Callas for donating Halloween candy and party-favors.

-Our incredible interns who have led fantastic Workshops and classes this fall! 

-Our fantastic volunteers who have been coming to visit the new space. It's really fun to give tours and see familiar faces!

-The following 826CHI supporters who backed our Kickstarter >>
Jeni Crone
Cora Neil Design
Andrew Shell
Wayne S
V. Berns
Shannon Shreibak
Steven Fekete
Anne Petersen
Ben Jenkinson
Lauren Herrmann
Alicia Lux
Pocket Earnhart
Robin Russo
Carson O'Shoney
Billy Strange
Jim Markus
Caitlin Deutsch
Brad Brubaker (Agent Langosta Con Leche)
Rebecca Frausel
Ori Fienberg
Spencer Tweedy

We wish to express our deep gratitude to each and every one of you for your essential, continued support. Truly. THANK YOU! 

   GET INVOLVED!

DONATE now through our  website, or mail a check payable to 826CHI to: 1276 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622.

WISH LIST
We are also always in need of everything from stamps to grocery store gift cards: see our wish list.
 
We could especially use:
  • A well-functioning used car to transport staff and interns between our center and In-School Projects in neighborhoods near and far. For more information, please contact Kendra@826chi.org
     
  • A medium-sized dry-erase board to display our AST&W students' Writing Rally prompts.
     
  • Reams of colorful cardstock
VOLUNTEERSbecause we couldn't do anything without our dedicated volunteers. Want to join the team this fall? Simply complete our volunteer form and sign up for New Volunteer Orientation!

INTERNSHIPS exist as well. The deadline for our winter/spring internship is Wednesday, November 26th at 5pm. Check 'em out!
                   
826CHI
  1276 N. Milwaukee Ave // Chicago, IL 60622 // 773.772.8108