CPS, Groupon Ask For Help To Give School Supplies To Needy Kids
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's almost back-to-school time, and the Chicago Public School system is asking for your help in providing supplies to kids who need them.
WBBM's Bernie Tafoya reports, for the second year in a row, CPS is hoping people go to Groupon to donate money to buy school supplies for needy students.
Last year, more than 1,200 students received the "Kits for Kid," when approximately $15,000 was donated through Groupon.
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The kits include more than 30 kinds of supplies -- including folders, spiral notebooks, notebook paper, pens, #2 pencils, erasers, a pencil case, a ruler, glue sticks, crayons, markers, a paint set, and a hardcover pop-up book. An $11 donation covers the cost of each kit. An $18 donation will provide a kit, and a backpack.
Donations are being accepted at Groupon from now until Aug. 7.
CPS Chief Executive Officer Jean-Claude Brizard calls the donations an invaluable gift to many families.
District officials say more than 80 percent of CPS students qualify for free or reduced lunches due to being from low-income families. Approximately 17,000 CPS students are homeless.
