"BUILD-A-BACKPACK" PROGRAM 2009!

We  launched our official "BUILD-A-BACKPACK" program in  2008-09   and it was a great success! As with all of Direct Effect's programs, this one  is  "hands on" giving you the opportunity to build a backpack for a child in need.

WE ARE EXCITED TO ONCE AGAIN BE RUNNING THE PROGRAM FOR THE 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR!

Backpacks are  distributed throughout the Chicago Public School system with homeless students being our first priority. Please see "ingredient" lists below. You will find 2, one for primary grades, one for upper grades. Once filled, we asked that they be dropped off. 

DROP OFF LOCATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED BUT DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED YEAR ROUND AT OUR 4720 S ST LOUIS LOCATION!  

BIG HUGS TO THE CHICAGO FEDERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD FOR THIER GENEROUS CONTINUED SUPPORT!!

SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR FOR THE CHICAGO KIDS CLOSET ARE ALSO BEING ACCEPTED!

DONATIONS WILL  BE ACCEPTED ANYTIME  AT OUR ADDRESS BELOW:

CHICAGO KID'S CLOSET

4720 S. ST. LOUIS

CHICAGO, IL

If you have a large donation of multiple back packs (over 25) please let us know and we will try to arrange pick up of them, providing they are in or close enough to the city. 

Please remember, Direct Effect is physically run by one person. (we have several others on our board!) While it may seem like we have a crew of 50 because of all the work we do, we do not. We rely on our generous donors to help us help the kids! All of us working together is truly what makes Direct Effect unique.   If you have any questions at all, please give us a call at 312.296.5311.

As always, we appreciate your thoughtful support of our programs!

LIST ONE

PRIMARY GRADES K THROUGH 4TH

(1)  Backpack

(1)  Pkg. Colored Pencils  (24)

(1)  Pkg, Crayons (24)

(2)  Pink chunk Erasers

(2)  Pkg. #2  pencils

(2)  Spiral Notebooks

(4) Composition Notebooks

(1)  Pkg. red Pens

(5) Folders

(1)  3-ring binder

(1)  Pkg. Highlighters

(1)  Pencil Case

(1)  Pkg. Index Cards

(1)  Ruler

(1)  Pkg. glue sticks

(1)  Scotch Tape

(3)  Pkg. Notebook paper

(1)  Plastic Compass

(1) Dictionary

(1) Assignment Notebook

LIST 2

GRADES 5 THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

(1)  Backpack, large in size

(1)  Plastic Protractor

(1)  Plastic Compass

(1)  Pkg. Colored Pencils  

(1)  Pkg. Pink Chunk Erasers

(1)  Box  #2 pencils

(5)  Spiral Notebooks

(1)  Package of pens in multiple colors (red, black, blue)

(5) Pocket Folders OR (1) Accordion type (usually plastic) multi pocket folder

(1)  3-ring binder

(1)  White Out

(1)  Pkg. Highlighters

(1)  Pencil Case

(1)  Pkg. Index Cards

(1)  Ruler

(1) Scissors

(1)  Scotch Tape

(2) Pkg. Notebook paper

(1) Dictionary appropriate for High School and Upper grades

(1) Assignment Notebook

(1) 1GB Jump Drive

If you would like to include a supportive note or card of encouragement to help your student start the year off right, you are welcome to do so!

We realize, backpacks are the most expensive item on the lists. If you have a used one in LIKE NEW condition, you are welcome to use it! You can also check the dollar stores or the store Tuesday Morning as they often offer great deals on backpacks as does EBAY if you like to shop on line!

If you can send us an email to directeffect@ameritech.net after you drop off, it will help us to keep track of the number of backpacks donated.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, PLEASE CALL 312.296.5311 FOR ANSWERS!!