CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS GEAR UP FOR MAJOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY TO SUPPORT WEST SIDE CHICAGO FAMILIES


CHRISTMAS IN THE WARDS GEAR UP FOR MAJOR  BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY TO SUPPORT WEST SIDE CHICAGO FAMILIES

Over 2,500 Backpacks, School Supplies, and Essentials to Be

 Distributed to Students in Need


CHICAGO, IL — As Chicago families face rising costs and uncertain economic times, Christmas in the Wards (CITW), in partnership with Rite-Way Huggins, IN HIS HANDS RESOURCE CENTER, INC., ComEd, Black Men United, Pepsi, S2 Grill, MT Transit, Sims Metals, Chicago Football Classic Foundation and local city officials, is stepping up once again to give back.


Saturday, August 2, 2025, CITW will host a Back-to-School Giveaway at JLM Life Center, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL. The invitation-only event will provide more than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, alongside essentials like clothing, diapers, personal care products, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy lunches, Pepsi beverages, and more.  Most notable are the “Be the Voice #StopSuicide” branded clothes provided by In His Hands Resource Center, Inc. to address suicide among teenagers.  The #StopSuicide movement message is one of hope, support, and action: "Together, a world can be created where no one feels alone in their struggles. Suicide is preventable, and everyone has a role in fostering understanding and compassion.”

To ensure that students are coiffed and ready for school, Larry’s Barber College will provide free haircuts for young men and hair braiding styles for young ladies.  Along with the aldermen, the Chicago Teachers Union has identified student recipients to receive book bags with school supplies, and each of the participating West Side wards—24th, 27th, 28th, 29th, and 37th—will also honor one lucky student with a brand-new laptop, providing vital digital access for the school year ahead.

Local aldermen supporting the event include:

24th Ward Alderwoman Monique Scott

Former 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr.

28th Ward Alderman Jason C. Ervin

29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro

37th Ward Alderwoman Emma Mitts


“These giveaways are not charity—they are equity,” said Larry Huggins, Founder and CEO of CITW. “This is a leg up to get kids back to school prepared and confident. And we will be back in December to bring holiday joy—always with education at the center and nourishment and essentials as the foundation.”

The event is one of two major Back to School distributions hosted by CITW this summer. A second event will be held Friday, August 8th at Olive-Harvey College, bringing the total number of backpacks given away to 2,500.

Beyond the Holidays: A Year-Round Commitment

Since its founding in 1997, Christmas in the Wards has expanded far beyond holiday giving. CITW’s Spring 2025 Giveaway helped hundreds of families with food, supplies, and everyday essentials. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CITW distributed laptops, PPE, air fryers, winter gear, and more to thousands of families across the region.

CITW continues to serve neighborhoods across Chicago and beyond, including Thornton Township, Bellwood, Broadview, Maywood, North Riverside, and Hopkins Park.

Larry Huggins, a respected businessman, philanthropist, and civic leader, is the driving force behind Christmas in the Wards 365. Known for his deep commitment to equity, opportunity, and community investment, Huggins has transformed a holiday tradition into a year-round movement of giving and uplifting. His work reflects a legacy of leadership that bridges corporate partnerships, political will, and the true spirit of Chicago.

“This is about community resilience,” said Huggins. “We started in Englewood with just a handful of families. Today, we are serving thousands because of the commitment from our partners and the belief that every child deserves a strong start.”

About Christmas in the Wards 365 (CITW)

Mission:

Christmas in the Wards 365 is a year-round nonprofit initiative that uplifts under-resourced communities in Chicago’s 50 wards by providing holiday joy, educational resources, essential goods, and economic opportunity.

Vision:

To turn moments of seasonal giving into a movement of year-long empowerment—one family, one neighborhood, one ward at a time.

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