INCS partners with local Alderman, Community Organizations, and Schools to provide a Christmas drive-through & free COVID tests for families

On Saturday, December 19, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools partnered with the Great Chicago Food Depository, Grace and Peace Church, Gap Community Center, Lowell Elementary, and CORE Response to provide families with toys and food. The event was held at Lowell Elementary School from 10 am through 2 pm in Humboldt Park. Families could receive gifts for children under 12 and a care package with meat, milk, and vegetables. INCS and partners were able to distribute over 1000 toys and 500 boxed foods to community members. Thanks to the efforts of community members who were able to volunteer and made sure families received some resources before the holidays. Ald. Felix Cardona attended in person and stated, “Families are going to be appreciative, especially during these times.” Principal Rivera and Rodriguez were supportive and informed families about these opportunities.

Volunteers from MAP INC and ACERO Schools

26^th Ward Committeeperson Angee Gonzalez and CPD officials

Child receiving her early Christmas gift

Additionally, with Noble Network, Seed of Abraham, INCS, and CORE Response, community members received free COVID tests at Pritzker College Prep. CORE’s team administered over 600 exams in the surrounding zip codes of 60651, which have experienced a spike in positivity rates.

The event ended with a big surprise for the Santiago family, who won a 65 inch Sony TV (donated by Ald. Micheal Scott). Mr. Santiago and Ms. Santiago were speechless and thanked Ald. Scott for making their families’ Christmas wishes come true.

Thanks to our Proud Contributors: ACERO Schools, Teachers of ASPIRA, Noble Network, Alderman Michael Scott, Ariel Reboyras, Felix Cardona, Committeeperson Angee Gonzalez, Lowell Elementary Local School Council Manuel Jimenez, Chicago Food Depository, Grace and Peace Church, Gap Community Center, CORE Response, Seed of Abraham Christian Church, MAP INC, Takorea, Joey G’s Mac & Cheese, Domestic Violence Organization for the 25^th district, 14^th District Police Department.