CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Students at 200 Chicago Public Schools have been able to get counseling and tutoring through a non-profit, but now a growing number are asking for basic supplies.
Communities In Schools routinely surveys the schools to find out what students need.
Chief Innovation and Communications Officer Bart St. John said since the pandemic, the second most requested items are things such as personal hygiene products, winter clothes, food and other essentials.
With some 70 percent of CPS students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the requests may not come as a surprise.
"We have many many willing partners that are in this space working with people across the region to source items that families need," he said.
St. John blames it on inflation and higher interest rates on top of existing financial challenges.
He said assistant principals and guidance counselors work to help deliver needs without drawing attention to those receiving them.
CIS provided support - including intangibles such as college and career readiness - to 8,600 families last year.
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