Day 1: ADA 25
For day 1 of our 10 Days of Giving, we partnered with Emily Blum and ADA 25 Advancing Leadership. ADA 25 aims to create a civic landscape where leaders with disabilities are included and engaged at every level of the conversation. Did you know that approximately one in five Americans has a disability of some kind? Mike Sievert, President of T-Mobile recently wrote, “People with disabilities conquer hurdles every day that other folks might never consider. They navigate a world that isn’t necessarily built for them, and they do so by applying a combination of creativity, agility, resilience, perseverance and willingness to experiment. That makes them natural, intuitive innovators.” That’s why we were so excited to work with ADA’s members. We got to hear about their experiences and aspirations and use that information to help them craft professional bios to showcase their breadth of skills and talents.
Day 2: Aspire Chicago & Cara Chicago
For day 2 of our 10 Days of Giving, we partnered with Aspire Chicago and Cara Chicago to volunteer our time and vocal talents! In the morning, LaSallians bundled up to sing carols to Aspire residents at three group home facilities for adults with special needs. Simultaneously, another group of LaSallians sorted and organized more than 7,000 clothing donations made to Cara Chicago to help those who need professional clothing for job interviews. Then, in the afternoon, another group of joined Aspire residents virtually for a few rounds of holiday BINGO.
“You guys were AMAZING! It was clear by the reactions from the residents who stood in the windows while your group sang. I even spotted a few folks who don’t typically interact with visitors very much which speaks wonders about the impact you made. In a nutshell, you really did make their day and it was evident by their smiles and dance moves. I hope your team enjoyed the experience as much as we did!” – Kelli Hlavach, Community Engagement Coordinator at Aspire
Day 3: Thresholds
LaSallians completed Day 3 of our 10 Days of Giving supporting Thresholds! Thresholds is an organization that provides services and resources to people with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, including helping them find employment. LaSallians hosted a virtual training for Thresholds’ Employment Services Team called “Polishing Your Pitch”. The training was centered around helping Threshold’s staff conduct outreach to potential employers for their members so they can begin a path toward confidence, recovery and success through gainful employment.
“Thanks so much! We are getting a lot of really positive feedback from the staff and are thankful for the time You, Jessica, and the LaSalle team were able to share with our IPS Team!” – John Prestipino, Assistant Program Director at Thresholds
Day 4: Greater Chicago Food Depository
Coming off a successful fall food drive in recent weeks helping to feed more than 80,000 people, we were excited to work again with Greater Chicago Food Depository for Day 4 of our 10 Days of Giving. Chicago Food Depository’s mission is to create happy and healthy communities by providing food to people across Illinois. LaSallians helped build food boxes, sort produce, and prepare food for distribution to families. At the end of the day, LaSallians prepped and packaged 11,160 pounds of food for families in need, so that they can enjoy a nice meal around the holidays.
Day 5: Salvation Army
Marking Day 5 of our 10 Days of Giving, LaSallians supported The Salvation Army. Founded in 1865, The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. LaSallians packed 1,550 food boxes that will be distributed to those in need across the Chicagoland area, as well as wrapped more than 300 toys to be gifted to children in need this holiday season.
Day 6: Year Up Chicago
For Day 6 of our 10 Days of Giving and we worked with Year Up Chicago! LaSalle has worked with Year Up for more than seven years, in a variety of capacities. We’ve hosted Year Up students for internships at LaSalle, placed Year Up students, and partnered to assist with job preparation skills. Year Up’s mission is to help young adults gain the skills and experiences that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education. LaSallians conducted virtual mock interviews with more than 70 Year Up interns, helping them prepare for future interviews for jobs and internships.
“It was fantastic! The students loved the real-world experience. We really appreciate the support!” – Chelsea Dennis, Operations Specialist at Year Up Chicago
Day 7: Aspire, Cara & Year Up
On Day 7 of our 10 Days of Giving we partnered with three different causes. A group of LaSallians spent time with Aspire Chicago, an organization that supports people with disabilities. One team sang carols to Aspire residents at three group home facilities for adults with special needs, while another joined residents virtually for holiday BINGO. Another group partnered with Cara Chicago, which helps people affected by poverty find jobs. LaSallians sorted and organized more than 7,000 clothing donations made to Cara Chicago to help those who need professional clothing for job interviews. Another team spent the afternoon working with Year Up Chicago students on crafting the perfect resume. Year Up brings talented young adults and top companies together to launch careers, power business, and build community.
“As a volunteer, you showed up for Aspire 4 TIMES during a difficult holiday season and that means so much to the residents and our team. It’s clear by the BIG smiles in these photos and the positive feedback I heard from my team. Virtual volunteers, you’ve officially been invited back anytime!! Carolers, how about that incredible Twelve Days of Christmas performance when the speaker went out?! The residents and myself were blown away by your festive gear and 10/10 caroling skills.” – Kelli Hlavach, Community Engagement Coordinator at Aspire
Day 8: Thresholds & El Valor
For Day 8 of our 10 Days of Giving LaSallians partnered with Thresholds and El Valor. Thresholds is an organization that provides services and resources to people with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, including helping them find employment. LaSallians hosted a virtual training for Thresholds’ Employment Services Team centered around interview preparation and etiquette, giving the staff the tools they need to help their members start a path toward confidence, recovery and success through gainful employment. El Valor was founded more than 40 years ago to help create inclusive communities for people with special needs. LaSallians traveled around the Chicagoland area to carol and spread holiday cheer to El Valor residents with socially distant caroling.
Day 9: Greater Chicago Food Depository
For Day 9 of our 10 Days of Giving, LaSallians returned to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to help with sorting and packaging food donations for families in need. Chicago Food Depository’s mission is to create happy and healthy communities by providing food to people across Illinois.
Day 10: Salvation Army
LaSallians closed out our first ever 10 Days of Giving by working with The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division. Founded in 1865, The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. We partnered with the Salvation Army to sort and bag toys that will be distributed to children in the community.
Thanks for following along to see how LaSallians were able to get involved and give back! For more information on our involvement with local philanthropies and ways to give back, click here.
