~“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

"Equipping our Kids for Success"

Life Center's Tools foor School Drive

“Tools for School"

 Another 5,000 Backpacks for Children in 2010?

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. 

Drive Dates: July 1st-31st

Sorting and Packing of Bags: August 3rd-10th

Pencils in the Park-2010: August 14th at Fairgrounds Park

Aviod the lines and pre-register at City of Rockford Human Services office or at Life Center now thru Aug 5th 9-4pm.

How can You get involved? 

Collection Sites:

Northwest Banks, Amcore Now Harris Banks, YMCA, Fairview Residence, Barbara Olson Center of Hope, Rasmussen College

Church Collection Sites:

 Alpine Lutheran, Faith Center, 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

We are seeking Monetary Donations:

 ~which will be used solely to purchase additional Backpacks & Supplies for the 2010 “Tools for School” Drive. 

Backpack Buck Fundraiser –

Sponsors that work with the public can sell “Backpack Bucks” for $1 each to customers or among employees; this fun and easy fundraiser that get’s the community excited and involved

Team Support –

Local Businesses, Church Groups, Youth Groups/Clubs, or Organizations could Collect School Supplies within your organization and provide teams to help with the Sorting and Packing of the Backpacks, as well as, at the Pencils in the Park Event

 ~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 stations, as well as, will receive Signage at the Pencils in the Park event.                                
In 2009, the cost of 5,000 backpacks = $13,750  + $300 for shipping $5,500 was spent to purchase additional School Supplies necessary to fill all 5,000 backpacks.   

                      Pencils in the Park                         

August 14th, 2010

Fairgrounds Park

12pm-4pm

Life Center in collabortion with Alderwoman Ann Thompson-Kelly, State Representative Chuck Jefferson, Ellis Heights Weed and Seed, the City of Rockford Human Services, Neighborhood Network, On the Waterfront, the Girl Scouts, the Upton Group, and the Diamond Cut Ryders are coordnating the 2nd 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 that is fun for the whole family, at No Cost to parents!

What can you expect to find at Pencils in the Park 2010?

  • Backpacks & School Supplies         
  • United States Army National Guard
  • Local College Representatives
  • Story Time-Public Library
  • Martial Arts
  • Hip Hop Dance Groups
  • Bone Marrow Registry
  • Demonstrations
  • Entertainment
  • Food and Beverages
  • Fun Physical Activities
  • Inflatable
  • Hair Cuts
  • Get Your nails painted
  • Prizes
  • Free FUN!
  • 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!

               Checks can be made out to Tools for School and sent to the Life Center Office located at 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 the “2010 Tools for School” and “Pencils in the Park” the most talked about and memorable events this city has ever seen! 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

angela@rockfordlifecenter.org

(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!