We all know how hard school can be — even when a child has everything they need. But imagine walking into school worried about wearing the same pair of pants all week. Or knowing there isn’t laundry detergent at home to keep your clothes clean.

School District 303 social workers refer families to us when they need assistance with basic essentials such as clothing, shoes, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. These everyday items make a real difference in a child’s confidence and ability to focus on learning.

Right now, we’re seeing an overwhelming increase in families needing support in our community — and we need your help to continue showing up for them.

Our Big Hearts Throughout the Year program is designed to be responsive and intentional. While we’ve always provided necessities, we’ve expanded our support to include important school-related and milestone moments — including prom tickets, Halloween costumes, gas cards, and birthday gifts. These are the experiences that help children feel included, not different.

We’ve also broadened our impact within schools by providing classroom essentials such as snacks, reusable water bottles, diapers, and community snow boots kept on hand for students who need them. This allows us to step in quickly and quietly during moments that truly matter — both inside the home and throughout the school day.

You can help by hosting a donation drive or ordering items directly from our Amazon wish list . Together, we can reduce stress for families and create stability for children all year long.