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.
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.
Gifting with Gratitude
This program gives self-care and pampering gifts to people in need of some extra love, including a Mother’s Day event to support moms who are coming out of a domestic-violence situation.
STUDENT SUPPORT
g2 School Supply 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 Dorm
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.
Holiday Gift Giving
Every holiday season, local families sponsor specific families to purchase wish-list gifts of goods and personal care items. g2 supplements the program, adding gifts and additional items.
EDUCATION & TEEN LEADERSHIP
Caring Kiddos
Hands-on service projects for g2's youngest cohort, ages 3-5. This program teaches young children how to give and practice gratitude early in their lives, with their families.
Do Good Day
A teen committee plans and executes a variety of service projects to take place on Christmas Day, giving others in the community a chance to incorporate service into their lives on this holiday (and during school breaks).
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.
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.
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.
MLK Day
Honor the holiday through a day of service and learning, supporting neighbors in need. This event makes a day off of work/school meaningful in the spirit of Dr. King and g2's mission.
Take-home Projects
This program provides a chance to hold g2 events at the kitchen table! Prepare supplies and do projects on your schedule, outside of g2HQ and without technology.
Teen Board & Service Squad
A school-year commitment, middle school and high school students
apply to be part of these leadership programs. The Board learns about nonprofits, fundraising and program planning. Service Squad provides organizational and program support, and Junior Leaders gives 6th and 7th graders an introduction to all elements of g2 from hands-on service to leadership.
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.
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g2 Fruit & Vegetable Garden for the Community
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 $80. 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.
Happy Paws Pet Projects
Hands-on projects focused on animal needs, including supporting local shelters, creating enrichment toys and adoption care packages.