Back 2 School Illinois Launches “Notes of Inspiration” in the Wake of COVID-19

Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI), recently announced the launch of its Notes of Inspiration initiative.
Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI), recently announced the launch of its Notes of Inspiration initiative.

Back 2 School Illinois Launches “Notes of Inspiration” in the Wake of COVID-19

Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI), a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides tens of thousands of deserving kids from low-income families with free school supplies to help them succeed in the classroom, recently announced the launch of its Notes of Inspiration initiative.

The statewide program is designed to boost underserved students’ self esteem by providing notes of encouragement in each Back 2 School kit to inspire and engage recipients.

Back 2 School Illinois is launching the initiative amidst the Coronavirus epidemic, in an effort to engage Illinois residents in a positive, community-building activity that offers them a creative outlet while also encouraging underserved students to achieve, both inside and outside of the classroom.

To participate, visit https://b2si.org/notes-of-inspiration and fill out the online Notes of Inspiration form, which asks for your contact information and the number of note cards you’d like to receive in the mail (ranging from 10 -30). After doing so, you’ll receive a package from Back 2 School Illinois within a week that includes: blank note cards, instructions, an outer mailing envelope (9” x 12”), inner return envelope, return mailing label and a donation envelope (for folks who want to make a donation.)

Whether you’re a parent, community leader, concerned citizen, student (16 years of age or older) or faculty member, you can participate in the Notes of Inspiration program. The goal is to make sure that every student that receives a kit will also receive the Notes of Inspiration in Back 2 School kits to further boost their self-esteem.

“There are over 1.2 million students in Illinois living in low income households. Last year alone, B2SI provided more than 1 million school supplies to these students,” says Back 2 School Illinois CEO Matthew Kurtzman.

“The Notes of Inspiration program will provide students with notes of encouragement in their school supply kits, alongside the supplies they need, so that they can come to school motivated and prepared,” Kurtzman said in a news release.

Back 2 School Illinois encourages participants to be as creative as possible when writing the notes, and to also try to personalize them for the students.

“We suggest that you to sign or print your first name at the bottom of the note, and to be as colorful as you want with the note. Use stickers, crayons or markers, if the spirit moves you. Your notes can be as simple or complex as you wish,” added Kurtzman. “Once your notes are written, place them in the return envelope that we’ve provided, and send them back to us, at your convenience.” Participants who’d like to help out even more should consider making a donation using the enclosed envelope or by donating online at www.b2si.org.

While B2SI wants to encourage participants’ creativity, below are examples of some simple messages you can write on the notes:

“I hope you love your new school supplies and have a great year in school”

“Remember to work hard and always do your homework, but also remember to meet new people, have fun and learn”

“There are no limits to what you can learn. I hope these school supplies help you achieve success both in and out of the classroom”

“Make the most of your time in school. Do your homework, join a club, play sports, and make lots of friends”.

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