g2 Signature Programs
g2's ongoing and annual programs designed to ensure consistent support for a broad swath of communities in need
PERSONAL CARE SUPPORT
4 Your Care Kits
Either comprising at least 4 full-size or 4 travel-size personal care items, these
packages are put together at g2 programs or compiled at home, then distributed at food-distribution
events and/or to people experiencing homelessness.
Cleaning with Meaning
Providing a bucket with essential cleaning supplies will ensure people in need moving into new housing or low-income families have the essentials to create a clean, safe home.
g2 Personal Care Closet
Housed at g2HQ, the g2 PCC provides free weekly shopping for school staff
and social services professionals. Items include toiletries and home supplies not provided by food pantries or government programs.
Warm Soles Sock Drive
A year-round effort, this drive collects unisex athletic socks and men's, women's and children's socks to be included in various programs and the g2 Personal Care Closet.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Sponsor-a-Student Backpack Program
Each summer, people sign up to sponsor students and fulfill a list of basic school supplies and personal care items. g2 also hosts a community assembly event.
Birthday Bags
Every child deserves to celebrate their birthday. Bags include: cake mix, frosting, candles, plates/napkins, small toys and candy. A gift card is included to buy perishables needed to bake.
Bye-Bye Boredom Bags
Creating a bag of activities for kids in need who are home from school on
breaks inspires kids to think of others, spurring gratitude for what they have and what they can give.
Deck the Dorms
When high-performing students from low-income families head off to college, g2 provides college-prep kits with essentials, including bedding, laundry essentials and more.
EDUCATION & TEEN LEADERSHIP
Teen Board & Service Squad
A school-year commitment, middle school and high school students
apply to be part of these two leadership programs. The Board learns about nonprofits, fundraising and program planning, while the Service Squad provides organizational and program support.
GLOW! Elementary Curriculum
An acronym for Gratitude Lights Our World, GLOW! provides gratitude
and service lessons that incorporate reading, writing and art to complement social-emotional learning.
g2 Mitzvah Team
g2 teams up with pre-b'nai mitzvah kids (5th - 7th grade) and offers resources to
enhance mitzvah projects, a service-oriented project typically done to complement religious studies.
g2 Kindness Rock Garden
Created in the wake of the Highland Park tragedy in summer 2022, g2's garden is a permanent, interactive space for people to enjoy. It's located in downtown Highland Park.
FOOD INSECURITY & SUPPORT
FEED. Food is Essential Every Day
g2 focuses many service efforts on hunger relief. Programs include:
making sandwiches and meals for people experiencing homelessness, helping to distribute groceries at mobile food pantries, stocking shelves at a shelter and supporting students in need.
.jpg)
g2 Community Fruit & Vegetable Garden
Next to g2HQ in Deerfield, the garden serves as an opportunity for children, teens and adults to work the garden and donate the produce.
Shop & Share
g2 challenges small groups and families to buy a week's worth of groceries for a family of four for $60. Participants meal-plan, budget and procure goods, which are donated to food pantries.
Valentine's Meals for Veterans
Annually, people sign up to provide a bag of groceries and treats for
hundreds of local veterans, showing gratitude to those who serve and providing food after the winter
holidays when food pantries often are bare. g2 also hosts an assembly event.