I discovered Chicago Hopes for Kids at the beginning of this year and have volunteered each week tutoring children from first, to forth grade. We cover everything from reading to math and science while also trying to focus on enrichment activities centered around teaching them how to deal with bullies etc. Giving these kids a positive environment to work on their homework and be encouraged has been a lot of fun.
There are over 20,000 homeless children in the Chicago public school system, over 10% of them without a family.
Now, I am asking that my friends and family who planned on giving me a birthday gift, redirect those funds to this site and donate $31 (for 31 years!) to this great non-profit organization. Every dime will be turned over to help purchase supplies, food, or even help expand the program to additional homeless shelters! If you are not able to donate, please take the time to visit the site anyways, and tell someone about it :)
http://www.chicagohopesforkids.org/