Christmas in the Wards 365 Hosts Major Back-to-School Celebration at Olive-Harvey College


Christmas in the Wards 365 Hosts Major

 Back-to-School Celebration at Olive-Harvey College

Open-to-the-Public Event to Provide School Supplies, Clothing, and Food Essentials

On Friday, August 14, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Christmas in the Wards 365 (CITW), in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, In His Hands Resource Center, S2 Grills, Black Men United, Buddy Bear Car Wash and participating local aldermen, will host a large-scale Back-to-School Celebration and Giveaway at Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628. Mayor Brandon Johnson will be on hand to greet parents and students to kick off the NEW SCHOOL SEASON!!!!

The event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and designed to help students and families prepare for the upcoming school year with essential educational resources, clothing, food support, and community services.

Thousands of dollars in school readiness supplies will be distributed, including:

Backpacks and book bags

School supplies

Clothing and shoes

Food essentials

Household necessities

Personal care items

In addition, nine participating aldermen will each award one brand-new laptop to a lucky student residing in their respective wards, helping bridge the digital divide and promote academic success throughout the school year.

"This event is about more than providing supplies. It is about making sure every child starts the school year with confidence, dignity, and the tools needed to succeed," said Larry Huggins, Founder and CEO of Christmas in the Wards 365. "When communities come together, we create opportunities that can change the trajectory of a child's future."

 

Community Resources and Family Activities

Attendees will enjoy a festive afternoon featuring community engagement, family-friendly activities, and resource distribution from local organizations dedicated to supporting Chicago families.

 

In His Hands Resource Center will distribute clothing and apparel promoting its "Be the Voice #StopSuicide" campaign, which raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention among youth and families. The campaign's message centers on hope, support, and community action, emphasizing that no one should face life's challenges alone.

 

Black Men United will provide clothing and household essentials, Buddy Bear Car Wash will have a raffle, while S2 Grills will offer food and refreshments for families attending the event.

 

Local Aldermen Partnering with CITW

Participating South Side wards include:

3rd Ward Alderwoman Pat Dowell

4th Ward Alderman Lamont J. Robinson

5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy

6th Ward Alderman William Hall

7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell

8th Ward Alderwoman Michelle Harris

16th Ward Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman

17TH Ward Alderman David Moore 

21st Ward Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley

Each participating ward will sponsor one laptop giveaway for an eligible student resident.

 

Beyond the Holidays: A Year-Round Commitment

Since its founding in 1997, Christmas in the Wards 365 has evolved from a holiday initiative into a year-round movement dedicated to addressing the needs of underserved communities throughout Chicago.


The organization provides educational resources, food assistance, clothing, technology access, and household necessities to families across Chicago and surrounding communities. Through strong partnerships with civic leaders, businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, CITW continues to expand its impact across the region.


"We started by serving a small number of families and have grown into a movement that reaches thousands of residents each year," Huggins said. "Our mission remains the same: to deliver opportunity, hope, and support to those who need it most."

 

About Christmas in the Wards 365 (CITW)

Mission

Christmas in the Wards 365 is a year-round nonprofit organization committed to uplifting underserved communities throughout Chicago's wards by providing educational resources, essential goods, community support, and opportunities that strengthen families and neighborhoods.

 

Vision

To transform seasonal acts of generosity into a year-round movement of empowerment, creating stronger communities one family, one neighborhood, and one ward at a time.




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