CHICAGO- In addition to donating $10 for each point scored this season for the #SkyTakesAction initiative, Sky players Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley will be contributing additional money to other community-driven organizations as well.
Vandersloot will give $10 for each assist she records to DonorsChoose; an organization that helps cover the cost of classroom supplies for teachers, ranging from books to science projects. Likewise, Quigley will be donating $20 for each 3-point field goal she makes to the Salvation Army’s “STOP-IT” human trafficking initiative and its youth empowerment programs.
DonorsChoose has raised nearly $1 billion in project funding from various citizen donors since its establishment in 2000, with 85% of public schools in the U.S. having at least one teacher post a project through the platform.
“It’s not a secret that public school funding is an ongoing problem,” Vandersloot said. “We have teachers all over the country paying millions of dollars out of pocket for supplies in order to provide the proper education to their students. The Chicago Public Schools are no stranger to that. Despite being the 3rd largest district in the nation, the CPS only receives 15% of the state funding. It’s not a coincidence that 90% of the CPS students are children of color. I realize the problem will not be solved tomorrow, but I want to be a part of the change TODAY.”
Vandersloot’s goal is to raise $5000, and through her first eight games this season she has contributed $710 from her own pocket. All of her donations will go directly to Chicago Public Schools’ classrooms.
“I am passionate about education and strongly believe that every student, no matter where you’re from or the color of your skin, should have access to quality education,” Vandersloot said. “This is why I chose to use my personal success for this season to help bring awareness and funds to teachers and students in Chicago. I am beyond thankful for DonorsChoose who have been doing just that for every public school in America, for years.”
Quigley’s work with the Salvation Army will directly impact her hometown of Joliet, Illinois and the surrounding area. She has already contributed $360 through eight games this season.
“After talking with family and doing a lot of research, I decided to choose the Salvation Army based out of the Chicagoland area,” Quigley said. “I was specifically drawn to the great work they are doing in the areas of fighting for justice and empowering the youth. I grew up in Joliet, Illinois and after reflecting the last few months, it’s not fair that kids growing up 40 miles north on the south side of Chicago didn’t have that same opportunity. I think all children and people deserve an equal chance in this life regardless of race or where they grew up. I want to be a part of this change and I think the Salvation Army is a great partner to help me do that.”
The impact of Quigley’s donations will help children in the Joliet area in many ways, including:
· Supplying food for the Salvation Army’s pantry
· Funding for Christmas/holiday presents
· Providing an interview outfit for a client seeking new employment ($50)
· Providing a month of transportation for a client ($100)
· Providing a month of intensive casework for 2 clients ($250)
· Help a client set up utilities, and purchase food and furniture as they start a new life ($500)
· Four clients travel to family or other support networks ($1000)
· One month of operations for the STOP-IT drop-in center ($1500)
In addition, Quigley will be wearing Salvation Army t-shirts throughout the season to help spread awareness toward the cause.
Visit https://www.donorschoose.org/courtneyvandersloot to help Vandersloot reach and surpass her $5000 goal and salarmychicago.org/AllieQuigley to support Quigley’s initiative.