Throughout August 2025, Gads Hill Center hosted four Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways at each of our primary sites here on Chicago's South Side: North Lawndale, Chicago Lawn, Brighton Park (with our Home Visiting team), and Pilsen. Each year, we work with our wonderful partners, donors, and sponsors to source hundreds of backpacks fill with school supplies so students of every age in our communities can start the year prepared.

Then, our team members set up in visible areas in our neighborhoods and invite any and everyone around to stop by and pick up what they need and, with face painting, complimentary haircuts, great food on the agenda, they have a great time doing it.

At the Bash

• Families picked up grade-appropriate backpacks with supplies at each Gads Hill Center site.
• Staff, volunteers, local vendors and suppliers came together to provide essential services, fun activities, and delicious food.
• We were thrilled to welcome local elected officials and key funders who stopped by to see their impact in action.
• The events doubled as direct outreach, with our team members working hard to bring new faces into the GHC family.

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Meeting a Need

School supplies are a significant recurring expense for many families. Removing that barrier means students show up day one ready to learn, and caregivers get connected with resources that support success throughout the year. These events also expand our reach—more families discover GHC, and more Chicagoans get connected to early childhood, youth, and family programs designed to support the life they deserve.

Thank You

This series is possible because of our donors, partners, volunteers, and staff who showed up to pack, set up, and greet families. The annual effort is a key component of our Community Wellness initiative, aimed at providing direct-impact, boots-on-the-ground services and support within the great Chicago communities who most benefit from expanded access to crucial resources.

Special thanks to the elected leaders and funders who joined us. Your presence underscores the value of investing in children and education.

We Can't Do it Alone

Get in touch to support next year’s giveaway!

Gads Hill Center is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the leaders and residents of the neighborhoods we serve, so students and their families can step into the school year confident and prepared.