Back 2 School America Celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month by Supporting Students in Need

WHEN: Friday, October 13, 2023 • 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST

WHERE: Center on Halsted | 3656 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613

WHAT: LGBT Build-A-Kit Event 

** MEDIA IS INVITED TO ATTEND IN-PERSON **

This Friday, October 13th from 8am to 4pm, Back 2 School America, the Chicago-based nonprofit renowned for its Build-A-Kit program that provides vital school supplies for students in need is proudly hosting their LGBT Build-A-Kit (Volunteering) Event, held at the Center on Halsted – Chicago’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community center. 

One-hundred queer and allied volunteers will build 1,500 Back-2-School Kits and also include uplifting Notes of Inspiration that're placed in each one – encouraging students never to give up, and though some days may feel bad, they'll eventually get better.

LGBTQ+ History Month & Why This Event Matters

This event is designed mobilize the queer community outside of Pride month by remembering and giving back.

The annual LGBTQ+ Build-A-Kit event occurs in October for a reason. October is International LGBTQ+ History Month and this event provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the historical and contemporary contributions of the community and carries significant meaning for several reasons:

Empowerment: It empowers all students by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in school – fostering confidence, self-esteem, and knowing that others are supporting them.

Inclusivity: The event provides queer community another opportunity to engage in giving back to others while also dispelling false narratives that the community is counter to education. ​

Visibility: It raises the visibility of queer history and the contributions made then and now, ensuring that these stories and acts of love are acknowledged and celebrated.

“The queer community always answers the call to help others in need, especially when it’s underprivileged students, and providing them with hope and inspiration. This event is much more than building kits; it’s helping to build a student's self-esteem, giving inspiration, and letting them know that regardless of who they are or how tough things are right now, it will get better.” ​
​​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ – Matthew Kurtzman, CEO, Back 2 School America.

Back 2 School America is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential school supplies and support to students in need. It's mission is to empower students to excel in school by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.

Learn more at b2sa.org