The Giving Tree was established so that we, the Black Bear Academy family, may teach our children about charity, compassion, and the power of one.
This year we are contributing to the following:
LOCAL
WHO: Lakeview Pantry
WHY: Lakeview Pantry is one of the largest and longest-lived food pantries in Chicago. They offer three programs to clients in our very own Lakeview community to increase independence through self-help initiatives and self-help programs. Lakeview Pantry’s purpose is to raise awareness about hunger and poverty while working to eliminate them.
WHEN: December 2-6, 2013
HOW: Black Bear will collect clean, gently used coats and jackets of all shapes and sizes. The coats collected during Black Bear’s coat drive will be distributed to the Pantry’s clients in the Lakeview area.
GOAL: 30 coats
NATIONAL
WHO: Canines for Disabled Kids
WHY: Canines for Disabled Kids was born out of the need for an assistance dog program that would provide trained assistance dogs to children under the age of 12. CDK makes it possible to train dogs to help autistic children, children with hearing impairments, and other disabled children. In addition to providing assistance dogs, Canines for Kids travels across the country offering free education about service dogs.
WHEN: December 2-6, 2013
HOW: Each classroom will to collect loose change throughout the week. The class that has collected the most change per student will win a special holiday treat! All of the change collected will go to support the charity Canines for Disabled Kids.
GOAL: $150 in change
INTERNATIONAL
WHO: Surge for Water
WHY: Surge for Water a nonprofit organization based in Chicago. 100% of public donations directly fund sustainable water projects, such as building fresh water wells, manufacturing clean water filters and building sanitation systems. They also provide educational and awareness programs, such as their “Just for Kids” initiative which shows how their local action has a global impact.
WHEN: December 9-18, 2013
HOW: Black Bear will hold its 2nd Holiday Gift Basket Raffle. Themed gift baskets will be on display in the lobby, and raffle tickets will be sold in the week leading up to the Winter Holiday Concert. The basket winners will be announced at the end of the holiday concert.
GOAL: $1,000
We want to thank all of you for being a vital part of this process.
Black Bear Academy
