School Assistance Program

The School Assistance Program began in 2006 with a single school and has now grown to include four school districts representing 13 individual elementary and junior high schools (Antioch School District 34, Lake Villa District 41, Emmons School District 33, and Grass Lake School District 36).

As the new school year approaches, you might be thinking, “How can I help local students prepare for their new school year?”

Our 2010 annual back-to-school drive will provide 375 students a start to their new school year equipped with age appropriate school supply kits and for 100 students, new backpacks. The pre-packaged kits include 30 items the teachers ask for, providing students with the necessary tools needed to start the new school year with confidence. How many students would you like to help? Each kit cost $13.00 and backpacks are $8.00.

Picture yourself as a third grader, its November and somehow you have used up your supply of notebook paper. Unfortunately, your single Mom does not have transportation to run out to any of the local stores to purchase your paper, nor does she have the cash readily available until the first of the month because of her limited fixed income. You may think as an eight year old you could walk to the store yourself, but you are still a little too young to do so. OK, now how do you do your homework tonight or the next night until your Mom or someone is able to go and buy the needed paper? Something as simple as the lack of notebook paper can begin the cycle of falling behind. Our goal is to overcome these situations by ensuring our School Social Workers have some needed extra supplies for such situations.

Our weekend backpack program will coordinate with 2 local schools to identify approximately 80 students who could use some nutritional meals and snacks over their weekend. Volunteers shop and assemble the child friendly food items, school social workers pick up the backpacks full of food and distribute the last day of each school week.

Our philosophy of “neighbor helping neighbor” focuses on children this time of year.

If you would like to help with any of our programs, the best assistance you can provide is a cash donation. The Back-To-School Kits are pre-packaged and ensure each child is provided for equally. The extra items we supply to the School Social Workers and the Weekend Backpack Program are shopped for by individuals who find great deals by purchasing in quantities. All three programs are community supported by individuals and families like yours. As a 501(c)(3) community outreach organization of volunteers, we thank you for your consideration. You can donate online or send your donation to:

Open Arms Mission – P.O. Box 79 – Antioch, IL 60002. Please call or email any questions.