This holiday season, join Children First Fund in bringing joy and warmth to CPS students.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference for students and families a
cross our community by celebrating the spirit of giving!
Give Back this
Holiday Season
Donate
Spread Compassion
CFF’s Compassion Fund has been a lifeline for CPS schools, students, and families, helping them meet foundational needs during challenging times. Through the generosity of donors like you, we’ve been able to provide critical support. Your gift will help students access resources like:
- Direct relief: gift card assistance distributed by school leaders who know families’ needs best— for essentials like rent, utilities, and food.
- Winter essentials: Coats, hats, boots, and more
- Hygiene items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant
- School supplies
- School resources: field trip assistance, library books, SEL supplies and more.
A gift of any size will be put to immediate use, addressing the most urgent needs across CPS schools.
Donate to the Compassion Fund
Why the Compassion Fund Matters
Right now across Chicago, families are navigating extraordinary challenges that can make daily life feel uncertain. Essentials like winter coats, groceries, hygiene items, a holiday meal, the ease of paying a utility bill can feel out of reach.
When those pressures build, students feel the weight of it each day at school. That’s where the Children First Fund Compassion Fund steps in.
The Compassion Fund acts as a lifeline for families throughout the year, responding immediately as needs arise from our schools. It exists for the needs that arise every day in our school communities.
Make Your Gift Today
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season, the Compassion Fund connects you directly to CPS schools and communities. Your gift has immediate, tangible impact.
Together, we will ensure Chicago’s students furthest from opportunity have what they need. Today, we’re inviting you to stand with families during unprecedented times that call for action and compassion.
The need is pressing. Will you help us reach our year-end goal?
When you invest in Chicago’s students, you invest in the strength and promise of our entire city.
Be a CPS Santa: Bring Joy to Classrooms Across Chicago
Looking for another way to support students this season? Join our CPS Santa program and bring holiday joy directly to classrooms.
Gather your coworkers, friends, or family to make an unforgettable impact for CPS students.
Can’t coordinate a gift drive?
We offer the option to sponsor gifts or holiday celebrations for a classroom, entire grade, or whole school—perfect if your schedule is already full!
Sign up to be a Santa
Get Involved
Contact us at partnerships@childrenfirstfund.org or reach out to a CFF team member directly to learn more about how we can spread kindness and joy together this holiday season.
