Ropes & Gray’s Chicago Office Supports Local Students at Backpack-a-Thon Event

Over 25 Ropes & Gray volunteers helped to fill over 1,000 backpacks in under two hours for underprivileged Chicagoland children at Cradles to Crayons’ annual Ready for Learning Backpack-A-Thon. A total of 30,000 backpacks were filled with clothing, school supplies, and everyday essentials during the day-long event. 

“Each child deserves to start the school year with confidence and dignity,” said Neill Jakobe member of Ropes & Gray’s governing Management Committee. “These backpacks along with clothing, shoes and other school supplies, which are too often unaffordable for families already struggling to make ends meet, can contribute greatly to a child’s self-esteem and a positive educational experience.”

During the August 2 event, Cradles to Crayons honored Ropes & Gray volunteers with Golden Pencil awards for “Best Corporate Team” and “Best Dance Moves.” Cradles to Crayons aims to provide assistance to the almost 200,000 children living in low-income or poverty in Chicago.

The Backpack-A-Thon is part of the national organization’s Ready for School initiative to help children prepare for the school year. Cradles to Crayons operates Giving Factories in Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia.