Robbins, Salomon & Patt, Ltd. (RSP) recently partnered with Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI) as part of its commitment in Chicago neighborhoods and its inaugural charitable event. Through partnerships like these, B2SI distributes free school supplies to children from low-income families in the form of back to school kits.
RSP contributed over 400 kits through a firm pledge donation and a matching effort of employees’ outreach to clients, family and friends this past fall. Their efforts culminated in a day-long Build-A-Kit School Supplies event held November 8 when firm employees and friends gathered to assemble the kits at RSP’s main office in downtown Chicago. Each kit contained age-appropriate core supplies that students need to succeed in the classroom.
“We know education is the cornerstone to a better life, and we believe all children deserve equal access to good education. Lack of basic supplies shouldn’t hold anyone back,” said Jennifer L. Barton, shareholder at RSP. “I’m excited for the new relationships we’ve built and really proud of our employees who have taken this cause to heart and put in extra effort this fall. Most people think about back to school supplies in the fall, but the need continues all year.”
RSP partnered with the YMCA to distribute kits to children in need of all ages in December as part of B2SI’s holiday drive, so they will start the new year with the tools they need. B2SI’s program is a year-round effort requiring thousands of man-hours and volunteers, as well as the support of sponsors. The largest school supply distribution initiative in the entire state, B2SI provided over one million school supplies to 34,204 underprivileged children in 2017.
“A lot of students use up or lose their school supplies by the first of the year. This drive was nice for parents who can’t afford to buy Christmas gifts because often times, the supplies can be a gift under the tree,” said Matthew Kurtzman, CEO, B2SI. “We’re grateful to RSP for helping make our holiday drive a success. They understood this is about more than just pencils and pens: for many kids, it’s about self-esteem and feeling the stigma of not having the supplies.”
“With over 1.2 million students in Illinois living in low income households, the need is great. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with B2SI in 2019, as well as hosting other charitable events to help individuals in need located in the Chicagoland areas.” Barton said.
