As summer break begins, Cradles to Crayons® Chicago (C2C) is already in high gear, preparing to equip 105,000 Chicagoland students with essential learning supplies for the 2024/2025 school year. “Ready for Learning,” proudly presented by Discover, is C2C’s flagship education initiative designed to break down hidden barriers to education and empower children to feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.  Throughout July and August, over 60 Service Partners, including Chicago Public Schools, will distribute backpacks, making C2C’s initiative the largest free backpack giveaway in the region. Items such as backpacks, folders, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and more, will be distributed to families through C2C’s network of 60 Chicagoland service partners with Chicago Public Schools being the primary recipient through the beginning of the school year (until supplies are exhausted). C2C will also provide clothing and hygiene essentials to further help students feel ready to learn from head to toe. Community members can learn more about how to participate in Ready for Learning through volunteerism and donating essential items at cradlestocrayons.org/chicago/the-latest/events/ready-for-learning/.