7-Eleven Inc. wants to make sure Chicago schoolchildren have the “write” stuff when they head back to class this fall.
As part of its Hispanic marketing and community outreach program, the convenience retailer is donating a package of No. 2 pencils for every package local customers purchase as a donation to Chicago-area students. Suggested retail price for the 10-pencils pack is $1.19 cents.
Approximately 350 Chicagoland 7-Eleven stores are participating in the pencil promotion that runs through Sept. 6.
A colorful display and poster were created to draw customer attention to the promotion, and it seems to be working. Some stores are already reordering to refill their display. Pencils collected at the stores will be distributed to students through Chicago public schools and neighboring school districts in which 7-Eleven operates stores.
The company also is donating 1,500 backpacks full of school supplies for Chicago elementary school students. The loaded backpacks are being distributed at back-to-school events sponsored by Chicago alderman whose districts include low-income Latino neighborhoods. Events include:
• Back-to-School Health Fair Held by Alderman Proco Joe Moreno, First Ward, and Illinois State Rep. Maria Antonia “Toni” Berrios, 39th District Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave.
• Back-to-School Festival Presented by Alderman Ariel E. Reboyras, 30th Ward Aug. 27, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mozart Park, 2036 N. Avers Ave.
• Back-to-School Immunizations, Eye & Dental Exams, in partnership with St. Anthony’s Hospital Under the auspices of George Cardenas, 12th Ward Sept. 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Public Service Office, 2458 W. 38th Street
Additional backpacks will be provided to the 26th Ward’s back-to-school event held by Alderman Roberto Maldonado