Drive Out Bullying Initiative returns to The Bridge Teen Center

ORLAND PARK, IL – Beginning in October, The Bridge Teen Center will host their annual “Drive Out Bullying” initiative. October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and several local Orland Park businesses including Kiwanis Club of Orland Park, Joe Rizza Auto Group, Thrivent Financial, DuPage Medical Group, and Marquette Bank are getting involved to help the Bridge sponsor the month-long initiative. The Bridge Teen Center positively impacts thousands of local teen lives through their free afterschool programs and the Drive Out Bullying initiative helps bring awareness to that fact.

"The Bridge's programs are designed in a holistic way to proactively combat bullying on a daily basis by engaging, connecting and empowering our students," said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder of The Bridge Teen Center. "We are honored to serve on the front lines of this issue in our community, providing a safe and positive environment where students feel accepted and encouraged.”

The Drive Out Bullying initiative raises much-needed financial and in-kind support for the free programs provided by The Bridge. In fact, 90% of all funds raised directly support these programs without a single dollar of state or federal funding. "The Drive Out Bullying initiative is an easy way for the community to give back - and we are humbled by all the sponsors and volunteers who make this annual initiative a huge success," said Steinmetz.

The Bride Teen Center’s sister organization, The Bridge Thrift Store, plays an important role. Located adjacent to The Bridge Teen Center, the thrift store provides 30% of the total operating budget for the teen center. Furthermore, they provide ongoing job readiness programs and service opportunities for teens. During the Drive Out Bullying initiative the thrift store provides three ways for the community to get involved in the initiative:

Volunteer – Groups and families are encouraged to volunteer at The Bridge Thrift Store sorting through donated items. So far, many volunteer groups from the Orland Park community, including members of Inspire Dental Wellness and Calvary Church’s youth group will serve. Individuals and groups (age 10 and older) are needed to volunteer Saturdays in October from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers must sign up in advance. Other service dates are available. To inquire about volunteering, call at 708.532.0500 or send an email to amber@thebridgeteencenter.org.

Donate – Drop off your gently used items at the back of The Bridge Thrift Store building located at 15605 S. 71st Court in Orland Park. Clothes, books, games, furniture, dishes and more are accepted. Each car dropping off donations in October will receive one free reusable shopping bag while supplies last. Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Saturday thrift store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Shop – We process hundreds of bags of donated goods throughout the month of October. This means our store inventory is changing daily, with more great deals hitting the floor each day. Stop in for some incredible finds! Best of all, your bargain-hunting will support the programs at The Bridge Teen Center that combat bullying for local teens on a daily basis.

The Bridge Teen Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing free programs during afterschool and unsupervised hours that help teenagers develop emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually in a safe environment. Since 2010, The Bridge has served more than 8,000 different teens from 128 Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana communities. The Bridge is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and is funded entirely by individuals, businesses, and foundations in the community. For more information, visit www.thebridgeteencenter.org or call 708.532.0500.