Back to School Bash

Helping Students Start the School Year Prepared

The Back-to-School Bash is ICI’s largest summer outreach event, serving hundreds of children and families each year. Through the generosity of churches, organizations, and individuals, students receive backpacks and school supplies that remove financial barriers and help them begin the school year with confidence.

Last year, ICI distributed school supplies to over 500 students. This year, we hope to serve even more families—with your help.

How the Back-to-School Bash Works

The Back-to-School Bash brings together families, volunteers, and community partners to:

  • Distribute backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies

  • Connect families with ICI programs and staff

  • Provide a welcoming, supportive start to the school year

This event serves families from Cicero, Humboldt Park, and surrounding Chicago-area neighborhoods.

Support the Back-to-School Bash

The Back-to-School Bash is made possible through the generosity of churches, organizations, and individuals who help ensure students start the school year prepared and supported.

Financial gifts allow ICI to purchase backpacks and school supplies in bulk, respond to changing needs, and serve families efficiently. If you’d like to support this outreach through a financial donation, you can give directly through our School Supply Fund.

Make a School Supply Donation

Many partners choose to support the Back-to-School Bash by building complete school supply boxes for students in our community. This is a great option for churches, small groups, businesses, or families who want to serve together in a tangible way. If you’d like to donate supplies or coordinate a supply drive, please email us.

Please remember to purchase only the items listed below.

Build a School Supply Box

  • 1 Ream of Copy Paper

  • 12 #2 Pencils

  • 3 Pink Erasers

  • 2 Glue Sticks

  • 1 Pencil Case (soft or hard)

  • 3 Wide-Ruled 100-Page Notebooks

  • 2 Composition Notebooks

  • 5 Pocket Folders with Prongs

  • 1 Package of Colored Pencils (10+ colors)

  • 1 24-Pack of Crayons

  • 1 Pack of Washable Markers (10+ colors)

  • 1 Bottle of Glue

  • 4 Black Dry-Erase Markers

  • 2 Red Pens

The Back-to-School Bash relies on volunteers to serve families and help distribute supplies. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to us at (773) 384-4200 or email us, and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Volunteer for the Event