Chi Gives Back, Inc.

08/18/2026

Labor of Love is back this Sunday, August 23 from 12–5 PM with TWO locations and a full afternoon for the whole family.

Free hair cuts + styles
Backpacks + school supplies while they last
DJs + music
Free food
Games + activities
Petting zoo + go-karts at Madison
Bounce house + more at Englewood

📍 Madison Street Barbers
2429 W. Madison St.

📍 Englewood Branded
1546 W. 63rd St.

Pre-register now so we know you’re coming: www.chigivesback.com/labor-of-love (link in bio)

08/16/2026

And just like that, another unforgettable is in the books!

Our 9th Annual Teach2Give Reception was SOLD OUT, and Chicago’s educators showed up ready to celebrate and be celebrated!

This year, we honored 50 educators representing 42 schools, while providing more than $17,000 in school supplies to help them start the school year equipped and supported.

We were also honored to welcome Mayor Brandon Johnson Mayor Brandon Johnson, who joined us to recognize our Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year.

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible partners Target Meridian of Illinois Ticketmaster and Original Ho***rs for investing in our educators and helping us make this celebration possible. From classroom supplies to $1,500 awards and entertainment experiences, you helped us remind educators that their work matters and their community sees them.

What began in 2018 as an effort to provide educators with school supplies has grown into something so much bigger.

is about recognition. It’s about gratitude. It’s about creating a moment for educators to feel the love and appreciation they deserve.

Press play and enjoy the recap! Until next year, . 🍎💙🥳📚



🎥 Nick Moody

08/12/2026

Yesterday, ChiGivesBack was honored with an official proclamation recognizing the impact we’ve made in the Chicago community.

What makes this moment so special is knowing how many people and how many years of love, service, sacrifice, and beliefare represented in this recognition.

What began with a vision from our founders, Sandi Robinson Sandi Robinson and John Boddie John Boddie , has grown into a movement powered by people who believe that community is something you build, nurture, and show up for.

A special thank you to Mayor Brandon Johnson Mayor Brandon Johnson for recognizing ChiGivesBack and honoring the work of the countless people who have invested in our mission to “pay it forward by giving back”.

To our incredible team, Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, sponsors, partners, and supporters: this recognition belongs to you, too. Every hour volunteered, dollar donated, partnership formed, event supported, and life touched has helped shape the ChiGivesBack story.

And to the communities who have trusted us to serve you—thank you.

A proclamation is an incredible honor, but for us, it represents something even greater: proof that collective action creates lasting impact.

We are proud of where we’ve been. Grateful for everyone who helped us get here. And more committed than ever to where we’re going.

Nearly a decade of service. Countless lives impacted. One mission: to give back and move Chicago forward.

This is a moment for all of us.
ChiGivesBack. 💙

08/12/2026

08/11/2026

ChiGivesBack Hottake 👀

08/06/2026

What started as a simple way to say “thank you” to educators has become one of the traditions we look forward to most each year. 🍎

Since launching in 2018, we’ve had the privilege of providing school supplies to more than 400 educators, helping them walk into a new school year with the tools they need to support their students.

But the supplies are only part of the story.

The real magic happens when teachers walk into the room. The excitement. The hugs. The smiles. Sometimes even tears. Watching educators feel seen, appreciated, and celebrated is a reminder that even the smallest acts of support can make a lasting impact.

This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the incredible partners who continue to believe in our mission. Thank you to Target and Brandon Allen for providing about 85% of the school supplies each year since the beginning of this initiative. Your generosity has helped hundreds of classrooms start the year stronger.

We’re also incredibly grateful to CMAC Deltas (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., CMAC Chapter) for supplying the remaining classroom essentials and spending their Saturday organizing and distributing supplies with love and excellence. Your service continues to make a difference throughout our community.

To every educator who gives so much of themselves to their students: this celebration is for you. We hope you know how valued you are, not just this week, but every single day.

We’re counting down to next Tuesday (Aug. 11th) at IO Godfrey, where we’ll celebrate this year’s incredible honorees alongside their colleagues, family, and friends. We can’t wait to continue a tradition that reminds us all of one simple truth:

Behind every successful person is a teacher who helped them believe they could be. 💙

08/06/2026

August is packed with opportunities to give back with ChiGivesBack!

As students, teachers, and families prepare for a new school year, we’re gearing up for a month full of back-to-school events and we need YOU to help make them a success.

From distributing school supplies to supporting local families and uplifting our communities, every volunteer helps create a brighter start for Chicago students.

• 8/6 Backpack distribution
• 8/7 Backpack distribution
• 8/11 Honors Reception
• 8/12 Back to School event
• 8/14 Day of Service
• 8/17 Back to School event
• 8/23 Labor of Love
• 8/19

Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, your time makes a lasting impact.

Visit chigivesback.com to sign up for upcoming volunteer opportunities, and tag a friend who loves serving the community!

07/27/2026

Gabrielle Herndon – Teacher of the Year

🍎🥳 Congratulations to our 2026 Teacher of the Year, Gabrielle Herndon!

After 34 years of shaping lives through education, Gabrielle’s legacy is one of excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her students.

Join us as we celebrate Gabrielle and the entire Teach2Give Class of 2026 on August 11th at IO Godfrey

Purchase your tickets today at chigivesback.com.

07/27/2026

Gabrielle Herdon – Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to our 2026 Teacher of the Year, Gabrielle Herdon!

After 34 years of shaping lives through education, Gabrielle’s legacy is one of excellence, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her students.

Join us as we celebrate her and the incredible educators making a difference across Chicago.

Congratulations, Ms. Herdon! 🍎🥳