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From Brunch To Backpacks, Here Are 7 Ways To Help Edgewater Schools Gear Up

By Linze Rice | August 25, 2015 8:05am
 Those who register for the Edgewater Back-To-School 5K Run/Walk get to choose where to send $5 from their registration fee to from 11 area schools.
Those who register for the Edgewater Back-To-School 5K Run/Walk get to choose where to send $5 from their registration fee to from 11 area schools.
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Facebook/Edgewater Chamber of Commerce

EDGEWATER — The first day of school on Sept. 8 is rapidly approaching — which for many families means new clothes, supplies and technology.

And though Edgewater fared pretty well among communities that faced severe CPS budget cuts, many schools and their students could use a little extra boost before the first bell rings this fall.

We rounded up a few ways to contribute to local kids (and give teachers some much-needed pampering) as the neighborhood prepares for the familiar sound of bustling school children and busses to ring out yet again.

So, how to help? Check out these options:

Donate Supplies: The deadline for a "Sponsor-a-Student" backpack drive may have passed, but Ald. Harry Osterman's (48th) office said when it comes to donating supplies to students, "There's always a need." The bulk of donations have already been distributed, but Osterman's office, in partnership with state Sen. Heather Steans and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, can still help pass them out to those in need, they said.

The donations are doled out among Care for Real, Hamdard Center, Howard Area Community Center, Housing Opportunities for Women and Family Matters — all local organizations that help kids in Edgewater, Rogers Park and Uptown connect with the resources they need. Gift cards for local stores to buy supplies are also accepted. Donations can be dropped off at Osterman's 5533 N. Broadway office location.

Teachers, Treat Yourself: The kids don't have to be the only ones with a cool new 'do this fall. Teachers, head on over to Salon Echo, 1134 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., on a Tuesday before the month ends to get 20 percent off services over $20 as a way to "thank and acknowledge all the hard work" teachers do. A sharp new hair cut is, yes, one of the ways to get the deal — but we know what you really want (and need): A massage. Go for it.

Indulge In A Beneficial Brunch: For those 21 and older who prefer mimosas to Trapper Keepers, this "Eggs For Kids" benefit at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., may be more your speed (don't worry, child care is available). For $40 in advance, or $50 at the door, those who partake are promised a brunch spread from Hopleaf's "famous kitchen" accompanied by cocktails and beer pairings, coffee and pastries from Metropolis Coffee, an auction and "other cool stuff." From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, the last seating for the event will take place at 2 p.m., so make sure to secure a spot soon. Proceeds of the benefit go toward helping out mini-learners at Helen C. Peirce Elementary School in Edgewater.

Stargaze At The 48th Ward Back-To-School Picnic: On Sept. 2 from 5-7 p.m. in Senn High School's front lawn, bring a blanket and pack a picnic for a back-to-school neighborhood stargazing experience. Sponsored by Osterman, Steans and Cassidy (all three of whom have children on the Far North Side), music, face painting and prize giveaways will all be in supply for the event. Then at 7:30, stick around for stellar views of the night sky as members of the Adler Planetarium guide you through a constellation of stars.

Start Training For A Back-To-School 5K: Start stretching and kicking up the "Rocky" tunes now, because the Edgewater Back-To-School 5K Run/Walk is right around the corner. The Sept. 27 event costs $42 to register, $5 of which goes to one of the 11 area schools of your choice. Think that's not enough? Last year, the 5K brought in over 350 students to participate, raising almost $6,000 for the neighborhood. At the end of the race is the Edgewater Arts Fair, featuring over 90 artists, a beer garden, food and live entertainment. And yes, dogs are allowed. To break it down: Schools, kids, outdoors, dogs and beer. No way to go wrong on this one.

Take The Time To Tutor: The Inspired Youth Tutoring Program is looking for people to volunteer their time to help students with homework, as well as their tutoring skills in the areas of reading, writing and arithmetic for first- through fourth-graders. Help is needed on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3-5:30 p.m. at the Bezazian Branch Library, 1226 W. Ainslie St.

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