Programs and Initiatives
At The H.O.Y.C.E. Center, we’re dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth in Chicago and Urbana, Illinois communities with our wide range of enriching activities and programs. Our programs have been designed to be socially and educationally engaging, Since 2009, youth have benefited from our variety of programs. Check out what we to offer.
The Blessing Bank
Activities for Everyone to Enjoy
In partnership with the Walmart in Champaign, Illinois. The H.O.Y.C.E Center gives away donations received every two weeks at various events throughout Urbana and Champaign.
To request The Blessing Bank for your event click here
Back to School Kickoff
The Back to School program provides school supplies in august at the beginning of the school year to students and teachers. Primarily given out are free backpacks filled with many school supplies, as well as mental health support materials such as stress kits, and clothes. Items are collected over the courses of the year in the warehouse. Events occur in the greater Champaign area and in Chicago. The gift-giving events also include refreshments and entertainment for the kids. There are kids that do not have their basic needs met and this can be a cause of major stress for them. Kids need school supplies to properly engage in class. There are still resources needed to maximize benefitting these populations. The primary focus has been on students thus far, but the program is set to expand to giving supplies to teachers to stock their classrooms as well.
Season of Giving
Since 2009, The H.O.Y.C.E. Center’s Annual Season of Giving supports 800 families and children to receive gifts they deserve every holiday season. The program provides toys, pajamas, books, and essentials such as socks, hats, coats, scarves, and gloves to local families. These events are primarily meant for giving and also include refreshments and entertainment. The timeline for this program is a recurring event that lasts the entire holiday season, some of the goals for this program include: making sure families are able to celebrate the holiday season by providing the bare essentials, as well as gifts such as toys for their children. Volunteers and staff organize this event by creating a gift drop-off location across greater Champaign County andChicago assisting with gift distribution. The Season of giving program begins its first event starting sometime in the fall, and historically in early October.