Volunteer Opportunities
We could not operate without the generous help of volunteers, and depend on District 65 School PTA and Community members for their support.
We have an ongoing need for volunteers to help with ESCCA's management, operations, and fundraising activities. Whether you have a child in one of our schools, are a part of a community organization or are an individual interested in helping out, we welcome your assistance.
The Center is staffed by District 65 School PTA and Community volunteers who are scheduled to work on pre-arranged dates.
Below is a breakdown of ESCCA volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering please contact us at 847-859-8018, or info@escca.org
click here for school chairs list
School chairpersons are the backbone of ESCCA. As members of their own PTAs, they act as liaisons between ESCCA and their school, whose maximum support we need throughout the year. To perform their many duties School Chairs need the cooperation of many volunteers. A good relationship with their own PTA helps School Chairs recruit volunteers.
Responsibilities of an ESCCA School Chair are as follows:
Attending ESCCA Meetings:
By attending meetings, the School Chairs have first hand knowledge of, and input into, ESCCA events, our volunteer needs and the center's maintenance and/or changes.
Recruiting Volunteers:
Scheduling volunteers for all morning and evening dates assigned her/his school is the most vital part of the job. Some chairpersons ask room parents to find volunteers from their class list. Others pass sign-up sheets at their PTA board meetings. It is important to make reminder calls to volunteers several days before the school serving date. Grade school School Chairs sometimes pass on lists of volunteers who have "graduated" to middle school School Chairs. Each School Chair is responsible for providing four (4) volunteers for each Serve or Sort commitment, typically 5 times a year.
Collecting Clothing:
Chairpersons may choose to hold one or two clothing drives at their schools during the year or to have a permanent ESCCA collection barrel in the school for continuous collection. For the sake of good school relations and to make the best use of the clothing, it is important that these barrels be emptied regularly. Collected clothing should be sorted, if possible, and inappropriate articles discarded before bringing it to the ESCCA building. Wednesday mornings are the best time for delivery. Volunteers also can bring clothing when they come to serve. Tax receipt letters are available.
Publicizing ESCCA Activities and Needs:
Throughout the year, the chairperson should submit short articles about ESCCA for the school newsletter. These articles could explain the services ESCCA provides, request volunteers, thank volunteers, request-clothing donations, and encourage donations to the Fund Drive and through the Tribute Memorial program. The publicity chairperson provides sample articles throughout the year.
Assisting with Fund Drive:
The School Chair helps with publicity and with the distribution of ESCCA Fund Drive materials at her or his school.
Serving children involves assisting families in choosing appropriate clothing from ESCCA's clothing list at the clothing center located at 1500 McDaniel Avenue, Evanston, IL. ESCCA assists children on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:45 PM to 9:00 PM, and some Saturday mornings from 9-11 AM.
Sorting clothes involves organizing and arranging donated clothing. Clothing is sorted on Wednesday and, occasionally, on Saturday mornings from 9:00 - 11:30 AM.
Board meetings are held to conduct the business of the organization, exchange ideas and disseminate important information to board members. Attendance at ESCCA Board meetings significantly enhances an individual's understanding of the organization as well as provides the needed input for the organization to continue to serve and grow.
Signs are posted at the entrance to the building to announce meeting rooms. Board Members and School Chairs are strongly encouraged to attend the meetings, and all volunteers are welcome.
CLICK HERE TO SEE our current Board Members
Agenda Items:
If you have something to discuss or would like to bring before the Board please contact the President to have the item placed on the Agenda.
Board Meetings:
Board Meetings take place on Mondays during the school year at 7:00 PM at ESCCA, District 65 Joseph E Hill Education Center, 1500 McDaniel (Just south of Church Street; just East of McCormick Blvd.) CLICK HERE TO SEE BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE
Each year we have a number of activities scheduled to raise funds for the ESCCA.
All funds we raise are used to provide clothing and maintain the ESCCA Clothing Center.
Pumpkin Patch Sale
Saturday, October 15, 2011, 8 A.M. to 2 P.M.
A benefit for ESCCA sponsored by Coldwell Banker.
The sale is held in their parking lot at 2929 Central Street
across the street from Hartigan's Ice Cream Shoppe!
To volunteer for a 1-2 hour shift, contact us at
(847) 859-8018.
Annual Fund Drive
November 1 through November 30
During the month of November, we actively solicit financial support from parents, friends, community organizations and businesses. In addition, we count on our School Chairs to publicize the drive for their respective school.
For more information or to volunteer please contact ESCCA at 847-859-8018 or at info@escca.org
Make-A-Difference Day
Saturday, October 22, 9 A.M - 12 P.M.
If you have a large vehicle (SUV or van), and 1-2 hours, you can help ESCCA by bringing donated winter clothing from a drop-off point in Winnetka to the ESCCA Clothing center.
For information contact us at info@escca.org or call ESCCA at (847) 859-8018
We appreciate clothing donations and ask that, if possible, donated clothing be sorted prior to bringing clothing articles to the ESCCA building. Wednesday morning is the best time for delivery as we have volunteers onsite that day, however, special delivery arrangements can be made by contacting the ESCCA center at 847-859-8018. Volunteers also can bring clothing when they come to serve. Tax receipt letters are available.