Junior Civic Lab Group Participates in Annual Backpack Drive

Each year, my Junior Civic Lab, Creating Alliances, visits the Broadway Youth Center in Irving Park to learn about a day shelter serving young people ages 18 through 24 who are experiencing homelessness. Most clients identify as LGBTQ+ and spend their nights in shelters, on the streets, in trains or wherever they can find a place to rest. During the day, they come to the Center for food, warmth, showers, a bed, community and access to psychological and health services.

This year, Director Bishop Howard asked if we could help with their annual backpack drive. I reached out to my Civic Lab and the junior class asking for volunteers on December 18 to help pack 125 backpacks for their clients. Each pack contained a sweatshirt, sweatpants, gloves, a hat, a water bottle and a blanket.

We had an incredible turnout—more than enough volunteers! Students worked together to assemble the backpacks, and we concluded with a reflection session to process what we had done and who would receive these gifts. It was a powerful afternoon of service, and our students left with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing homeless youth in our city and the vital role of organizations like BYC in supporting them.

Click here for photos.