~“Thank You for the backpacks & school supplies, I have 3 kids and was having a hard time finding a way to get what they needed. My mom sews and is going to put fun stuff on the bags for them, thank you and God Bless” ~Stephanie and family, 2009 TFS drive recipient
TOOLS FOR SCHOOL DRIVE
2013 - KICK-Off begins June 25th thru August 15th
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT by purchasing Your $1 Backpack Bucks at these locations:
LOGLI
HILANDER
KELLY WILLIAMSON MOBIL STATIONS
NORTHWEST BANK
Contact: Angela@rockfordlifecenter.org to Get Involved!
Pencils In The Park
When: TBA - 2013 DISTRIBUTION DATE
Where: Life Center Grounds
Time: 10am-1pm
What to bring: Parent's Identification & School Registration Papers for Students
"Equipping our Kids for Success"
“Tools for School"
Did you know?
28,415 Students are currently registered in Rockford's District 205. Of that, 78% or 22,280 students receive free or reduced lunches! This unfortunate reality has left us to think of children and their families left to struggle in these tough economic times burdened by the thoughts of beginning school without the tools necessary for proper education and the preparation for their future.
It is our goal to equip thousands of children for success by providing them backpacks stuffed with school supplies at a free event that gets children and parents excited about returning to school and our community!
How Can You Get Involved?
Monetary Donations -
We are able to buy backpacks and school supplies in bulk for a significantly reduced cost. This allows for an effecient organizing process when filling backpacks with supplies. All donations/contributions will be used to support the “Tools for School” Drive and Pencils in the Park Event! ~please make checks payable to Rockford Life Center-Tools for School Rockford Life Center is a 501c3 tax exempt charitable organization, therefore, all contributions are tax deductable to the fullest extent of the law.Backpack Buck Fundraiser –
We are seeking the support of Rockford area Bussinesses and Churches to sell “Backpack Bucks” for $1 each to customers, among employees, and congrations. We truly rely on this fundraiser to be successful each year and we need Your Help!Please contact Angela Harris, Life Center, 815-964-4966
Team Support –
We will need an outpouring of support from our community to volunteer for the Pencils in the Park Event, as well as, 1 week prior to assist with packing backpacks! Please contact Life Center for more information and to sign-up for an available time today! ~We are asking for your support to make this $25,000 community driven project a success. Your gift no matter how big or small will is guaranteed to bless those in need!*All participating Sponsors logo will be prominently used throughout our marketing campaign through All local media outlets, as well as, will receive Signage at the Pencils in the Park event.
In 2010, the cost of 5,000 backpacks = $15,000 + $300 for shipping An additional $5,500 was used to purchase additional School Supplies"Pencils in the Park"
Rockford Life Center in collabortion with Alderwoman Ann Thompson-Kelly, City of Rockford, Comcast, are coordnating the 4th annual "Pencils in the Park" backpack distribution event. It is our goal to again equip 5,000 of our disadvantaged youth with backpacks stuffed with school supplies at an educational, motivational, and resourceful event that is fun for the whole family, at No Cost to anyone!
What can you expect to find at Pencils in the Park 2012?
August 25th 2012
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5,000 Backpacks & School Supplies
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Educational Booths
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Local College Representatives
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Spelling Bee
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Community Resource Booths
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Demonstrations
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Entertainment
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Food and Beverages
- Games
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Hair Cuts
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Nail painting
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Prizes
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Free FUN!
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Much, Much More!
An event targeting disadvantaged families, promoting the utilization of positive resources in our community, college enrollment information, fun educational materials, food and beverages, entertainment, physical activities, games, prizes AND the Collection of Backpacks suffed with School Supplies is a guaranteed way to get children and adults excited about our community and returning to school!
Recognition of Church Supporters:
Faith Center, Alpine Lutheran, Maywood Evangelical, Creekwood Baptist, Foest Hills Evangelical Free, Concordia Evangelical, Central Christian, One In Christ, St. Askers Episcopal, Bethany Presbyterian, Calvary Lutheran, Shepherd of the Valley, Bethesda Covenant, Evans United Methodist, Providence Missionary Baptist, First Fee, New Direction, Gentle Shephherd Fellowship, Mt. Zion Baptist, Beth Eden Unithed Methodist, Riverside Assembly of God, Emmannuel Lutheran
Checks can be made out to Rockford Life Center-Tools for School and mailed to 921 West State St. Rockford, IL 61102.
We would like to increase our goal significantly next year, and your Support is Absolutely Necessary and Greatly Appreciated!
It is also our goal to make Tools for School/Pencils in the Park the most talked about and memorable events our children have ever had the opportunity to attend! Please do your part and help support our efforts to:
“Equip our kids for success”
Questions, please contact:
Angela Harris
Director of Business Development, Life Center
(815)964-4966
We would like to give an Extra Special Thank you To our Supporters and Sponsors of Tools for School and Pencils in the Park! Please click the Community Partnerships tab to view the sponsor list!