Wheeling Township Seeks Donations for Ready 4 Success Program

Many families in Wheeling Township face financial challenges and struggle to afford basic necessities, including the school supplies their children need to begin the academic year. That’s why the Township is helping local students prepare for a successful start to the upcoming school year through its annual Ready 4 Success School Supplies Program.

Community members are encouraged to support the program by purchasing and filling a backpack using the Township’s standardized school supply list. Tax-deductible donations of filled backpacks will be accepted now through Monday, August 3, and can be dropped off at Wheeling Township, 1616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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“Every child deserves to start the school year feeling prepared and confident,” said Wheeling Township Supervisor Maria Zeller Brauer. “The generosity of our community helps remove barriers for local families and gives students the supplies they need to focus on learning and achieving their goals.”

Established in 2012, the Ready 4 Success program provides new backpacks filled with essential school supplies to children from low-income families living within Wheeling Township. As the cost of food, fuel, and other household expenses rise, back-to-school shopping creates an added financial burden for families already struggling to make ends meet. Through the generosity of local donors, the program helps ensure students have the supplies they need to enter the classroom prepared, confident and ready to learn.

Families interested in receiving a backpack through the program must complete an eligibility screening. Applicants must reside within Wheeling Township and have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is currently $5,500 in gross monthly income for a family of four.

Low-income families seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Township’s Social Services Department before July 31 to schedule an appointment. Residents may call 847-259-7730 or email GA@wheelingtownship.com for more information.

The Ready 4 Success school supply list will also be included in the Township’s Summer Newsletter, which is expected to arrive in mailboxes in early July.

The backpack supply list includes a backpack, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, colored pencils, markers, glue, scissors, a ruler, and other essential classroom supplies. Residents can view the complete school supply list on the Township website. The estimated cost to fill a backpack is between $100 and $125. To ensure fairness and consistency for all participating children, donors are asked to include only the items listed on the approved supply list.

For more information about the Ready 4 Success School Supplies Program, contact the Wheeling Township Social Services Department at 847-259-7730 ext. 29.