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Elementary Students Surprised With Dontated School Supplies

By Wendell Hutson | September 2, 2014 1:17pm
 Students attending Jesse Sherwood Elementary in Englewood and Mahalia Jackson Elementary in Auburn Gresham each received a school supply kit from the Illinois Currency Exchange Charitable Foundation.
First Day of School
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AUBURN GRESHAM — A foundation made the first day of school special for students at two South Side schools by surprising them with free school supplies.

The Illinois Currency Exchange Charitable Foundation awarded each student at Mahalia Jackson Elementary in Auburn Gresham and Jesse Sherwood Elementary in Englewood a kit that featured grade-appropriate supplies, including pencils, pens, a ruler, crayons, glue and markers. Jackson has 350 students and Sherwood has 400.

Most of the students at the schools come from low-income households, according to Chicago Public Schools data, one reason why the schools were chosen, said Matthew Kurtzman, executive director of the foundation.

"I grew up in [north suburban] Wilmette and never had to worry about having a roof over my head, school supplies, clothes or where my next meal was going to come from," Kurtzman said. "So for me [giving away school supplies to needy children] is particularly satisfying because I know not all kids are as fortunate as I was when I was their age."

Jackson Elementary, 917 W. 88th St., was chosen because of the efforts of Terriyaka Watson, the school's literacy coach. She applied for a grant from the foundation, which required her to write an essay explaining why the school was in need of free supplies.

"As a parent myself, it's a lot to try and make sure your children have everything they need for school while also maintaining your household," Watson said. "A small number of kids come to school on the first day unprepared because their parents were not able to buy the supplies they needed."

Students weren't the only ones surprised and excited by the gifts. Some parents, who said they struggled to buy supplies, expressed their gratitude.

"This surprise came right on time," said Melissa Brown, whose two granddaughters attend Mahalia. "I did what I could to help their mom but they still needed a few more items and now they have it."

At Sherwood, 245 W. 57th St., Principal Alice Buzanis said many parents were struggling financially, so extra resources were needed.

"This will take away stress from some parents who are not able to buy their children school supplies," Buzanis said. "My kids now have everything they need to be successful."

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