Glen Ellyn Students Supplied 4 Success Thanks to Nonprofit

In 2009, when the volunteers with Supplies 4 Success first started distributing school supplies and backpacks to Glen Ellyn students in need, the nonprofit helped about 600 to 700 students.

In 2013, the volunteer organization will reach about 1,000 children in Glen Ellyn District 41 and Community Consolidated School District 89.

The nonprofit started its work five years ago and it relies on donations from members of the Glen Ellyn community, including businesses, civic groups, school parents and individuals. The funds collected are later used to purchase the discounted school supplies, said Karen Evans, a volunteer with Supplies 4 Success.

The group provides school supply kits to 10 schools in the area, including the elementary, middle and junior high schools. The kits are geared to the specific grade levels.

“Parents at each of these schools would try and meet the needs for students in their schools and the numbers became too big,” Evans said. “We thought we would do this collectively to reach out to parents, reach out to community and make sure all of the kids have the school supplies that they need.”

The group begins soliciting donations in the spring, she said. A flyer in registration packets makes parents aware of the group and its need for donations.

“I think Glen Ellyn is a generous community. And, I think when you tell people there are those in need, people are willing to help,” Evans said. “School supplies are things students need and when they have their school supplies on that first day of school they don’t feel left out, they don’t feel singled out. It’s our community’s way of letting them know we think this is important.”

Rather than do a backpack/supply giveaway, the volunteers leave the distribution of the kits to school social workers, who are aware, which students are in need, Evans said. The process is more discreet and doesn’t make students feel different.

The group has minimal expenses and incurs few costs. The storage space they use is donated. The main cost they have is an annual mailing.

Donations are always accepted, Evans said, adding a $25 donation will purchase a school supply kit and backpack for a student in need.

“We do sometimes hear from the parents who are very grateful. They say, ‘thank you so much we couldn’t afford this, our family is having a hard time,’” she said. “The social workers obviously appreciate it because they know all of their students regardless of income level with have school supplies. It’s a  matter of doing it with dignity and making sure the kids have everything they need.”

Donations are always accepted. Make a donation online to Supplies 4 Success through the Pep Foundation. Or send checks to: Supplies 4 Success, 435 Pennsylvania Ave.. Suite 145, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.