For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Chicago Urban League to Host Water Collection Drive for Flint Residents
CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2016 – Today, the Chicago Urban League’s Human Capital Division launched a water collection drive for the residents of Flint, MI. Starting today through the end of October, water, wipes, filters and donations will be collected in support of Flint citizens whose water was deemed insufficient for consumption 347 days ago.
The water collection drive was the idea of one of the students enrolled the League’s Human Capital Program and is categorized as a project through the National Urban League’s Project Ready Program.
“At the Urban League, we encourage and empower our youth to help make a difference,” said Director of Human Capital Angela Hamilton. “Ever since the idea was brought up to collect water for Flint, the students have taken this project and are running with it.”
The hashtag #DontForgetFlint will be used throughout the campaign to continue to shine light on the water crises where officials say the city may remain on filters for at least the rest of the year.
Drop-off locations for supplies and donations include the Chicago Urban League office at 4510 S. Michigan Ave. and the Human Capital office at 5147 S. Ashland Avenue. Donations will be accepted 10:00a.m. – 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday.
On Saturday, Oct. 29th from 8:00a.m. – 3:00p.m., a special event will be held at the Chicago Urban League’s main office to receive any large shipments of water/donations. Students and staff will travel to Flint November 5th to deliver the supplies and donations.
“They’re excited,” said Hamilton. “It’s amazing how even as they face major challenges in their own communities, our children recognize the importance of helping others.”
For more information about the water collection drive, please contact CUL Youth Advocate Dion Hall at 773-602-3038 or dhall@thechicagourbanleague.org.
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For media inquiries, contact Chelsea Whittington at 773-451-3524 or cwhittington@thechicagourbanleague.org.
About the Chicago Urban League
Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About Human Capital
The Chicago Urban League Human Capital programs are designed to cultivate transformational growth and commitment from participants that will lead to economic self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life. Provisional services include community outreach, mentoring, intake and assessment, counseling, parenting instruction, job readiness training, GED preparation, training for ex-offenders and referrals for wrap-around services.
