For more than 60 years, nonprofit organization, Barrington Giving Day has benefited the more than 900 families (including over 1,700 children) in the Barrington area who either qualify for the Free and Reduced Meal Program through Barrington Community Unit District 220 or have been hit by unexpected hardships, including homelessness. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Dori Squires-Hough, Barrington Giving Day is composed 100 percent of volunteers who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of those in need. Barrington Giving Day is hosting its annual BACK TO SCHOOL event August 13 and 14 which is hosted by St. Matthew Lutheran Church. At this event families can select gym shoes, clothing, backpacks, school supplies, headphones, and other much needed items for their children in order to have a successful start to their school year.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Barrington Giving Day to reevaluate how they could serve their guests while complying with health and safety guidelines. A new online event registration and scheduling process was implemented, offering shopping times for families to limit event capacity and allow for social distancing. For the Back to School event, families will be given the opportunity to attend the event and select items for their family or complete a questionnaire and have a personal shopper select the items for them.

As a way to help families and businesses that were impacted by the pandemic, Barrington Giving Day also created a home delivery program. Funded by sponsors and a grant from Barrington Area Community Foundation, Barrington Giving Day provided 12 weeks of home deliveries to 420 families including family meals prepared by local restaurants, essential relief kits, and non-perishable pantry goods.

Barrington Giving Day is also available throughout the year to provide support to families and children experiencing homelessness or other dire needs. Working together, Barrington Giving Day and District 220 are able to help these individuals on short notice and reduce the burden they are experiencing.

For more information, to donate or get involved, visit barringtongivingday.org.