Connections Cares 2016

Connections Cares is the philanthropic arm of microConnections.  When the Connections students and staff created microConnections last year, we agreed that a significant part would include giving back to our community.  This was important to us as a large part of what we do is because of our community partners and support.  Connecting Families exists because of the community agencies that partner with us and donate their time to offer ongoing education about adult services in Illinois to our team and families.  We are thrilled to have our products available for sale in Naperville and this is due to Peace and the Alive Center.  A significant part of our vocational and internship program would not exist without our more than 50 community partners.  Our families support all that we do in many ways – they offer plants and tools for our garden, donated our Snack Shack sign, and support our fundraisers to name a few.  We strive to give a minimum of 10% of microConnections profits back to the community in the form of fleece blankets, dog toys, dog treats, pet blankets, and bookmarks.  In 2016, Connections Cares made the following donations:

• 8 fleece blankets to the Edward Hospital Care Center and Ronald McDonald Family Room in Edward Hospital.
• 5 pet blankets to the Naperville Area Humane Society.
• More than 10 bags of dog treats to the Naperville Area Humane Society.
• More than 5 cat toys and 20 dog toys to the Naperville Area Humane Society.
• Approximately 250 bookmarks to the Naperville Education Foundation.
• Flowers to Alden Estates of Naperville, Family Shelter Service, and Hesed House.
• Weekly flower delivery to Sunrise of Naperville North.

Connections Cares is proud to share that these donations total approximately $1,000.  Additionally, Connections installed The Snack Shack using microConnections funds and community donations.  Lastly, Connections is proud to share that we raised the funds to complete the installation of our sensory garden this spring.  We are thankful for NCUSD 203, our families and community for all of your support, we couldn't have done it without you.  Thank You!