September 2019 NEWSLETTER
The mission of Back 2 School Illinois is to create and support educational opportunities that enrich the lives of Illinois children.
For every $18 dollar donation you will help in our ongoing work to supply underserved Illinois children
with our signature Back 2 School supply kits throughout the school year.
New home for Back 2 School Illinois in 2020
We are in need of a new office space!
Our offices are currently located in a building that is being sold and so we need to find a new place to call home in 2020. Over the past 7+ years we’ve been fortunate enough to have our office space donated to us, which means we’ve been able to put more of our resources into programming. We are hoping to continue in that vein. So, if you have some additional space or know of someone who could donate (or provide at a very low cost) office space, we could use your help. While open to different opportunities, we are ideally looking for a furnished office, 750-1250 square feet, on the north side of Chicago with parking included. MatthewKurtzman@b2si.org

Please contact our CEO Matthew Kurtzman at MatthewKurtzman@b2si.org
Win School Supplies Contest Distribution
Three school get a big surprise during their first few weeks at school
Over the past few weeks Back 2 School Illinois has been busy surprising three schools with free school supplies. Starting a few months ago we asked individuals to write and tell us why their school should be the recipient of our free school supply kits. Many wrote wonderful, passionate stories with their applications. From all the submissions, three schools where chosen.


Being chosen meant that their whole school, every grade, and student, would receive a kit box with over 30 school items needed for their specific grade level they were entering. Octavio Paz, our Lady of Guadalupe and Mariano Azuela were selected. The smiles, screams of joy and gratitude that the students, principals and teachers gave were priceless to see and experience. Take a look at some of the pictures below to get a small glimpse of what "Win School Supplies" is all about.
 
Associate Board
Ready to Launch for Back 2 School Illinois
We are looking for rock-stars, rising millennials, and those who have a desire to be instrumental in helping kids in school and beyond. Those who can spread the mission of Back 2 School Illinois over social media, planned events, and targeted asks of their own personal and professional relationships. Those who are catalysts with a heart to help kids in need.

Back 2 School Illinois is planning to launch an associate board of emerging young professionals, who want to be help build our organization and their resumes while making an important contribution to educating young minds. If you are interested in learning more please email info@b2si.org.

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CIBC Build-A-Kit
Readying Students for Their First Day of School
What does it look like to be a young student and come into your classroom and see boxes of school supplies on every desk, including yours, on the first day of school? How does it feel to open your box and receive pencils, pens, markers, a ruler, glue, paper and so many more school supplies you need? Well, CIBC made that happen for all the kids in every classroom at Our Lady of Tepeyac Elementary School. Their team of dedicated bank employees assembled hundreds of Back 2 School kits as part of a Build-A-Kit. After the assembly in the school’s cafeteria, the kits were placed on the desks of each student throughout the building.

Thank you to CIBC and your wonderful team for all the hard work and support. For more information on how your company or group can help to make a difference and participate in your own Build-A-Kit, click HERE to learn more.
Trunk Club
Stylish Case of Philanthropy - Helping Kids
One Thursday, on a simple lunch break, you can do so much to make an impact on a student’s life. The Trunk Club chose to do just that. A team of approximately 25 Trunk Club employees gathered together to assemble almost 100 kits built specifically to give to children at the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club of Chicago. This stylish, philanthropic -Trunk Club group jumped in and assembled our Back 2 School kits and wrote “Notes of Inspiration” to go into every single one.