Chip In Batavia is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to support students and families in BPS District 101 in temporary housing situations or who are on free or reduced lunch programs.  To ensure that students who are facing financial obstacles have their needs met to be successful in school and to participate in the same programs and activities as all students.

I met with Joanne Spitz, one of the founding members of the organization as well as co-chair and she shared with me what the organization is all about and how you can get involved and help.

There are literally hundreds of families that Chip In has served since its inception. Children are identified by district administration and staff at all 8 schools to identify student and family needs. At each school there is a Chip In liaison, a volunteer, who gives their time to research the child and their family to see what needs there are and how they can help.

While Chip In does always ask for the community’s support (you can find that list of items posted to their Facebook at any given time) even if they don’t always get all the donations they need they will purchase and provide those items to support the family.

The organization was started in 2013 when Joanne and some other concerned community members found out that there were more than 50 students in Batavia who were homeless and living in temporary housing. Those individuals quickly formed Chip In Batavia to support these students and to give them the best educational experience possible. There are about 30-60 homeless students during the school year. In addition, there are over 1,000 students from low-income families that have a very difficult time making ends meet. They live doubled up with friends/family, in a hotel, homeless shelter or other temporary space.

My hope and prayer are that if you are reading this please go like and follow their Facebook page and donate the listed items whenever you are able. And if you feel compelled to give more of your time and effort, please send an email to [email protected] to find out how you can get more involved. After all, it takes a village to raise a child.