For over a decade Schools Count Corp has brought aid to school children who possess the desire to learn but simply don’t have the supplies or resources necessary to enjoy that success. Whether working abroad, right here in the Chicagoland area or in other states, Schools Count addresses student needs which have been caused by natural disasters or man-made forces.
The many donors, companies, and non-profits we work with have had an amazing effect on many schools and students. To date, over $2 million worth of aid has found its way to many deserving children. Throughout the existence of our charity, whenever we receive monetary donations, we assure all donors that 100% of all contributions go directly towards the purchase of student materials and supplies to best help children on a daily basis.
The many volunteers and contributors to our charity have long been committed to fulfilling the mission of our charity and the dreams of the students we are fortunate to serve. We would encourage you to join our team going forward. Together we do make a real difference!
Recent Important Notes From Dick Flesher:
Read Dick Flesher's newest Schools Count Corp. Newsletter here:
The many donors, companies, and non-profits we work with have had an amazing effect on many schools and students. To date, over $2 million worth of aid has found its way to many deserving children. Throughout the existence of our charity, whenever we receive monetary donations, we assure all donors that 100% of all contributions go directly towards the purchase of student materials and supplies to best help children on a daily basis.
The many volunteers and contributors to our charity have long been committed to fulfilling the mission of our charity and the dreams of the students we are fortunate to serve. We would encourage you to join our team going forward. Together we do make a real difference!
Recent Important Notes From Dick Flesher:
Read Dick Flesher's newest Schools Count Corp. Newsletter here:
| newsletter_2020.pdf |
Dick Flesher's latest message (5/28/2020):
Dear Supporters and Friends of Schools Count,
On behalf of our Board of Directors I want to extend my heartfelt wishes that this note finds you, your family members and friends in good health. I truly hope the days ahead, with the onset of summer, bring more sunny days - in so many ways - to one and all.
I am contacting you with a certain amount of reluctance given the health situation in our nation along with the misery of job loss or losing some/all of ones income. It is a time where each of you has much on your plate with regard to your health and making ends meet.
Our board has learned of the devastation encountered by the students and families of schools we serve throughout the year. Below are but two letters, one from an Asst. Principal, the other from a Principal of another school, that give you a sense of the struggles they and their school communities are facing and will continue to have to contend with as the pandemic continues.
Our board would like to assist these good people in the immediate days ahead with some food needs. Later, as school commences, we will provide some sanitizing wipes and other health essentials when we make our normal school supply deliveries.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 so that we can purchase 100 food gift cards of $50 each. The principals at the schools most hard hit will distribute these to those children/families with the greatest needs. I know these principals well and have total confidence that they will get the cards to those with the most urgent needs. All donations will be accepted through Sunday, May 31st.
I'd like to extend an invitation to you to donate to this cause. Simply go the link in the menu above and click on DONATE. Any amount would be a huge help. To get us off and running, I'll pledge a 10% monetary gift up to raising that $5,000 amount. Of course, this is a tax deductible contribution.
If you aren't able to donate at this time I completely understand. Each of you has always been there to assist and if this isn't an opportune time to donate that's understood. This is indeed a critical period to take care of the needs of family and friends. I do hope you will take a moment and read a couple of the letters below.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for all that you do to help those children and families who are doing their best to make it.
Again, stay safe and be well.
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher
Dear Mr. Richard Flesher,
My name is ____________________, new assistant principal at Lowell elementary school. During this pandemic, I asked myself all the time how I can help my students and their families to survive or make these times less painful. During the Mother's Day weekend we receive a phone call from a mom of a student in 5th grade saying that she did not have food. We immediately reacted and provided her with a box of can foods. Our families are going through difficult times and your help will be greatly appreciated. Definitely Yes!! Thank you for your support during these difficult times. More than ever our families need that helping hand. We understand the needs of our community and especially our students, therefore we would like to take your offer. We have parents that need food, handy wipes/sanitizer, thermometers (to check for fever) and other needs that are associated with the crisis which is this pandemic. Let us know what you need from us to make this possible. Thank you
Good Morning:
Thank you so much for reaching out. August sounds great if it is good for you and your amazing donors. The neighborhood is in need of whatever you are able to do. You are so wonderful! They definitely need hand wipes, sanitizer, food. I noticed that the situation is getting worse and worse as people continue to lose their jobs At Sherwood I am here everyday working with the lunch staff who are distributing lunch bags to our families Monday through Friday. Some families are unable to leave their homes due to illnesses or children so, I have also been driving to homes distributing anything I get donated or have for my families. I check in with them and see what they need and they also email me and ask me for food, mask, hand sanitizer, bleach. There are very few stores around here and it is difficult for families to find cleaning supplies and sometimes even food essentials. Whatever is easiest for you to help, our families would be so grateful. Thank you again and stay safe. Sincerely, Alice Buzanisr
Previous Updates
The latest newsletter has been posted. You may download it by clicking the link above!
As you are well aware the devastation to a number of Bahamian Islands (Abaco and Grand Bahama) is simply horrific. To date 30 lives have, sadly, been lost. According to authorities in the Bahamas, when all is said and done, the number of fatalities is likely to be 'staggering.'
The needs on the above named islands, along with others, are extensive; medical supplies, water, food and so very much more. The Schools Count Corp. Board of Directors is pleased to team with HeadKnowles, a 501 c 3, to aid the Bahamas. HeadKnowles has been assisting hurricane ravaged areas in the Caribbean (Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew) over recent years. I have looked into their performance and current status and I am very confident that they will be on the ground in short order.
I'd like to extend an invitation to you to make a donation to Schools Count Corp which we, in turn, will be provided to HeadKnowles. This is a 72 hour fundraiser and the goal is to raise $7,200.00 during this time period. This is an online only effort with the deadline at 5:00 pm Monday, September 9th. To make a donation simply go to the Donate page. Use the PayPal "Donate" button on the bottom of that page, and please be sure to write "Bahamas" and include your home address by clicking on "Add special instructions." I want to be sure to provide you with a tax deduction receipt.
Please accept my thanks for your consideration. Our board is ever grateful for your generosity.
Dear Schools Count Donors, Volunteers, and Interested Citizens,
I hope this note find you enjoying the onset of summer!!
Over the past few weeks a number of you have reached out to Schools Count to inquire about the possibility of helping refugees on the United States border. As many of you are likely aware, the number of people at the border have many personal and mounting needs. A great number of social and faith based groups are stepping forward to help but the resources needed daily are growing exponentially and many groups are stretched to the max.
The Board of Directors of Schools Count Corp. is pleased to announce an endeavor to help Annunciation House of El Paso, Texas, 10 blocks from the US/Mexico border. This faith based group runs 3 to 5 sites in El Paso (along with helping to process people to other cities) which house families turned over to Annunciation by ICE and the Border Patrol. The families (children and parents) need diapers, kleenex, shorts (it is hot!!) handy wipes, soap, children's medicine, deodorant, toothpaste, tooth brushes and more. To say that the needs are urgent is an understatement. It is imperative to get help to those individuals right away.
To make this a worthwhile initiative - given the growing number of refugees - I'd like to raise $7,500 to buy the above items and get them to those with such desperate needs. To help reach this goal please be so kind as to consider making a donation to Schools Count so that we can purchase the needed personal supplies. To make a donation simply write a check payable to Schools Count and address it to Richard Flesher, 1050 Butters Farm Lane, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Also, put El Paso in the memo section of the check. You may also go online to make a donation if you prefer. Simply go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org to make a tax deductible contribution.
I'd like to ask you to make your contribution as soon as possible but no later than Thursday, July 4th.
Please accept my thanks for your consideration and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher, President
Important note:
Dick's new address is 1050 Butters Farm Lane, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
Dick's email message (4/18/19):
It is my pleasure to invite you to attend our 10th Annual Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Benefit. As in the past, all proceeds go towards building a band program in one of the Chicago Public Elementary Schools. It is our pleasure to raise funds and to purchase instruments for Haley Elementary School.
The HC Jazz Ensembles will be performing on Tuesday, April 30th at 7:00 pm at the Hinsdale Community House located at 415 W. 8th Street in Hinsdale, IL. This is always an evening of great entertainment and excitement!!!
There are plenty of ways to participate in this special event. If anyone has a drum set, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute or saxophone that they would like to contribute, which is in good playing condition, that would be most welcome. Please feel free to bring the instrument to the event. The donation would get you into event as well as my being able to provide you with a tax deduction for the market value of the instrument.
Admission to the performance is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. I'd like to offer you a special manner of supporting the Jazz Benefit and in turn the construction of the Haley band. Please consider being a 'Patron' of the evening. You can be a patron, whether you attend the event or not, by making a special donation - for $25, $50 or $100 - by writing a check payable to Schools Count Corp. Kindly mail the check to Dick Flesher, 9750 Crescent Park Circle, #132, Orland Park, IL 60462. I will match the total 'Patron' donations up to $500. Kindly mail your donation to me no later than Thursday, April 25th.
Thank you for your continued support of the work of Schools Count Corp. Hope to see you on the 30th!!!
Dick's email message from 8/21/18:
Dear Donors, Volunteers and Friends,
I hope this note finds you well and that you have been able to enjoy your summer!
Much is taking place with Schools Count Corp. and, to say the least, there is much excitement surrounding our efforts to assist those in need. Both Archer Daniels Midland and the Daughters of the American Revolution organizations, along with the many donors - yourselves included - are continuing to generously fund our many efforts to help students in need both here in the Chicago area as well as abroad. I'll pass along more information regarding their efforts in the coming days.
Two weeks ago Schools Count delivered school supplies and uniforms to 34 CPS and Harvey, IL schools. The supplies are a welcome way to get students off on a positive note as the school bells ring in the coming days.Our volunteers were remarkable, two weeks ago, in terms of getting the resources to where they are truly needed.
One of the prominent organizations that continues to support Schools Count is the Hinsdale Central High School boys varsity soccer team. A group of boys (Ryan Counts, Marcus Gruvberger, Kosta Kinnas, John-Paul Ltief and Gavin Schwarz) is making great strides at putting together a number of fundraisers through the KICK initiative. There will be an auction, cash raffle and much more. In the coming days fundraisers at Portillo's (in Willowbrook on Monday, Sept. 17th from noon to 8 pm) and Chipotle (in Westmont on September 10th from 5 to 9 pm) will benefit KICK and Schools Count. The flyers are available for download below and I would invite you to grab some delicious food while supporting some wonderful causes. You have to present the flyer in paper form or on your phone in order for us to reap the rewards.
Please be sure to stay in touch and to follow all that is taking place with Schools Count. You can keep abreast of all that is occurring by following us at our website atwww.schoolscountcorp.org and by checking in daily by going to our blog at www.schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com.
I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do to support the students we help along their education journey.
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher
Chipotle flyer Portillo's flyer
Helping Out In Texas
Many of you have reached out to me asking how/what ways you can help those in need in various parts of Texas. Over the past couple of days I have made contact with a teacher in Houston, Texas who attended Hinsdale Central High School. I also have made a number of contacts with a minister who I have worked with over the years.
Yes, both said that urgent assistance is needed. Schools Count will help in two ways.
First, we will provide assistance to Houston and Rockport Schools by providing student supplies and some hygiene products. Second, as conditions unfold and I can get trucks into neighborhoods we will likely have to provide diapers, food, baby formula, water, cleaning supplies and more to various regions. It will take a couple of days for teams to form on the ground to assist with this effort.
Our Board of Directors has enthusiastically endorsed helping our fellow citizens. Right now we need funds to get this effort underway. To make a tax deductible donation towards helping our southern neighbors you can do so in one of two ways. You can donate here on the Donation page. If you contribute on line please indicate "Texas" in your note. If you opt to write a check please make it payable to Schools Count Corp. and mail it to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Court, #112, Orland Park, IL 60462. Kindly write the word "Texas" in the memo section.
Our goal is to raise $25,000!!! We would appreciate your support no matter the size of the donation.
Also, if you would be kind enough to share this note with family, friends, neighbors and/or co-workers I'd be most grateful.
Just a footnote. My supplier of school supplies just confirmed that they will take care of the entire cost of shipping school supplies!!!
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher, President
Building a Band Program
Our charity is not in the business of changing the world but I would be remiss if I didn't admit that Schools Count Corp. is definitely trying to alter things for the better. America and Americans have always stood for the principle of the 'common good.' And that's exactly why I'm reaching out to you. Our charity needs your help.
We are in the process of helping to build a band program at Medgar Evers Elementary School in Chicago. We need funds to be able to buy the instruments for the children. To that end, Schools Count is working with the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles as they gear up to put on a benefit concert.
And that's where you come in. The more people who attend the Tuesday, April 25th 7:00 pm program the more money we will have to buy instruments. It's that simple!! Individual admission is $5 and the whole family gets in for $10!! Of course, if you make a charitable tax deductible contribution in excess of this amount you also enter for free. What a deal. I hope you have the opportunity to join us at the Hinsdale Community House located on Madison St. in Hinsdale next Tuesday.
This is bound to be a wonderful event and you will be making a diffence in the lives of Medgar Evers students.
Thank you,
Dick
Helping in Haiti
Friends of Schools Count Corp.,
This information came from the lead administrator, and founder, at Bèl Platon, Mr. Tony Delus via Erik at Haiti Partners. It just came a couple of hours ago and details what is taking place on the ground in this small village in Haiti. What is written in italics comes directly from Tony in Bel Platon. It is both devastating and heartbreaking. Photos can be found on the Haiti page.
We are collecting tax deductible donations by mail (payable to Schools Count Corp) to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Ct., Apt. #112, Orland Park, IL 60462 or by making an online donation at www.schoolscountcorp.org. We are collecting through Friday, Oct. 28th. To those of you who have already donated, please accept my sincere thanks for your kind contribution.
Thank you, Dick Flesher
Thank you for your message. I tried to send some messages, but they wouldn't go through.
In the community of Bèl Platon:
With respect to the school facilities, there is no damage except for the church building which was torn open. There are real problems at the school now. Parents don't have anything to give their children to eat. Students with destroyed houses have nowhere to stay. It's even hard to find tarps to put over the roofs of houses. We've had 80 children return to the school. Another 40 that enrolled haven't shown up yet. We told parents repeatedly to send their kids even if they haven't paid their fees yet, because we know they don't even have enough money to eat...
For the time being we have purchased some tarps in order to wall off classroom space where children can sit. But since it's not covered, when the rain comes we cannot work. Tables get wet. It's only through awareness that we're holding up.
These numbers are, of course, estimates. That said, there’s no doubt that Matthew wreaked havoc in Bèl Platon and that basic needs - food, treated water, shelter - will be an issue for some time into the future.
Please see the attached pics. I’ll share more info as I learn more.
Thanks,
Erik, Haiti Partners.
Collecting Coats
We will collect coats from Oct. 1st through October 31st, for various schools in Chicago and Harvey, Illinois.
Childrens (K – 8th grade) New winter coats. We are also collecting clean and gently used coats (please…no hoodies, sweat shirts or trench coats). Sizes: children’s sizes: S,M,L,XL and adult: S,M.
You can drop off on the front porch at 345 Harris or 451 Colfax Ave. in Clarendon Hills, or you can also drop off in Room 116A at Hinsdale Central High School. For other arrangements contact Dick Flesher at rich219@comcast.net.
Friends!! For every new coat donated to Schools Count, I will purchase a new knit cap to match!!! Remember, keep your receipt for a tax deduction.
Flooding in Louisiana
Dear Supporters of Schools Count,
Many of you have witnessed the horrific devastation that the floods brought to Baton Rouge, LA and many surrounding parishes. The damage is significant and many homes, businesses and schools have been damaged or destroyed.
I have been in contact with the Baker School District in the Baton Rouge area. The residents have been extremely hard hit. This morning I spoke with the Asst. Superintendent, Dr. Domingue, and she explained that 80% of the citizens and school children in Baker have taken a huge hit. The high school is not able to house students so they are now in a middle school and the middle school students have been moved to an elementary school. The upheaval is great and the need for supplies is urgent. As if this isn't enough, the Baker school district is Title 1. Sadly, this means there is a good deal of poverty in these neighborhoods.
The Schools Count Corp. Board of Directors is pleased to announce that we will assist the five schools in the Baker School District. Supplies have been ordered and will soon be shipped to Baker. We are sending $14,356.00 worth of a wide assortment of supplies/resources to the students who are in need of our assistance.
To help us with this emergency I would like to ask you to donate to this initiative. Any amount of money would be welcome!!! You can make this special donation in two ways. You can write a check payable to Schools Count Corp. and mail it to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Ct., Apt. #112, Orland Park, IL. 60462. In the left portion of the check where it says 'for' please write the word Baker. If you prefer to donate online go to our website at www.schoolscountcorp.org and hit the donate key. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated!!
I have included but one of many links, below, that I think you would find revealing in terms of what Baker is dealing with.
Baker, Zachary hit hard by historic flooding | Baker | theadvocate.comhttp://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/baker/article_284a5836-6228-11e6-85a9-477f28ede95b.html - 383k - Cached - Similar pages
Aug 17, 2016 ... This weekend's flooding has caused multiple road closures and .... 19,La. 964, Lower Zachary Road, Vernon Road and Old Baker Road ...
Again, thank you for your consideration and assistance. Please do contact me if you have questions or would like additional information.
Sincerely,
Dick
Appreciation Abounds!
Nearly 100 donors, volunteers and personnel from recipient schools gathered at Hinsdale Central High School on October 7th to celebrate the great work of Schools Count Corp. "Go Green" workers, volunteers who sort and deliver supplies to area schools in need joined with many generous donors of funds who were honored by Schools Count Corp. President Dick Flesher. Aside from offering our thanks to these terrific people we all joined to share a meal with our good friends from Harvey and CPS schools.
The highlight of the evening centered around the many teachers and principals from recipient schools who offered their thanks to our many volunteers and donors. To say it was a moving experience is an understatement. To a person, each was grateful for the kindness shown by the work of our charity. Those who have benefitted from the initiatives of Schools Count felt that the donation of supplies, uniforms, band instruments, coats and more were making a very positive impact on the learning of the students.
At the end of the evening Schools Count Corp. was pleased to present each recipient school with many winter coats, new pencils and a gift card to Staples. What a wonderful evening!
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher
To our SCC Donors and Volunteers,
My apologies for getting this note of thanks to you a bit late. This past week has been a tremendous success as we delivered supplies to 42 schools in addition to providing band instruments to Barton, Harriett Beecher Stowe and Nathan Hale Middle School. Whether you loaded trucks and pallets or helped get the student supplies in the respective buildings, please know I appreciate all of your efforts. It certainly was a warm and humid number of days this week but, as always, you pulled it all off in an amazing fashion. Below are a couple of notes of thanks that I received from personnel at recipient schools and I wanted to share them with you.
Again, my profound thanks,
Dick Flesher
Mr. Flesher,
Thanks so much for the generous donation that was delivered to Tanner School yesterday. We are extremely appreciative and we look forward to using the resources to support our students' learning during the upcoming school year.
Thanks Again,
Andromeda Bellamy
Assistant Principal
Tanner Elementary School
7350 S. Evans Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60619
Good Morning Dick,
I just wanted to express our gratitude for Schools Count generous donation of school supplies to John Hay! This donation along with all your other contributions has been a blessing to our school! School Supplies will be distributed to students and teachers at our Back to School KickOff in September. Thank you for helping our school community get the school year started off well prepared!
Thanks for everything,
Crissie Williams
Assistant Principal
John Hay Community Academy
As always, if you have any questions or need more information please let me know by emailing me at rich219@comcast.net.
Thanks!
Regards,
Dick Flesher
Dear Supporters and Friends of Schools Count,
On behalf of our Board of Directors I want to extend my heartfelt wishes that this note finds you, your family members and friends in good health. I truly hope the days ahead, with the onset of summer, bring more sunny days - in so many ways - to one and all.
I am contacting you with a certain amount of reluctance given the health situation in our nation along with the misery of job loss or losing some/all of ones income. It is a time where each of you has much on your plate with regard to your health and making ends meet.
Our board has learned of the devastation encountered by the students and families of schools we serve throughout the year. Below are but two letters, one from an Asst. Principal, the other from a Principal of another school, that give you a sense of the struggles they and their school communities are facing and will continue to have to contend with as the pandemic continues.
Our board would like to assist these good people in the immediate days ahead with some food needs. Later, as school commences, we will provide some sanitizing wipes and other health essentials when we make our normal school supply deliveries.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 so that we can purchase 100 food gift cards of $50 each. The principals at the schools most hard hit will distribute these to those children/families with the greatest needs. I know these principals well and have total confidence that they will get the cards to those with the most urgent needs. All donations will be accepted through Sunday, May 31st.
I'd like to extend an invitation to you to donate to this cause. Simply go the link in the menu above and click on DONATE. Any amount would be a huge help. To get us off and running, I'll pledge a 10% monetary gift up to raising that $5,000 amount. Of course, this is a tax deductible contribution.
If you aren't able to donate at this time I completely understand. Each of you has always been there to assist and if this isn't an opportune time to donate that's understood. This is indeed a critical period to take care of the needs of family and friends. I do hope you will take a moment and read a couple of the letters below.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for all that you do to help those children and families who are doing their best to make it.
Again, stay safe and be well.
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher
Dear Mr. Richard Flesher,
My name is ____________________, new assistant principal at Lowell elementary school. During this pandemic, I asked myself all the time how I can help my students and their families to survive or make these times less painful. During the Mother's Day weekend we receive a phone call from a mom of a student in 5th grade saying that she did not have food. We immediately reacted and provided her with a box of can foods. Our families are going through difficult times and your help will be greatly appreciated. Definitely Yes!! Thank you for your support during these difficult times. More than ever our families need that helping hand. We understand the needs of our community and especially our students, therefore we would like to take your offer. We have parents that need food, handy wipes/sanitizer, thermometers (to check for fever) and other needs that are associated with the crisis which is this pandemic. Let us know what you need from us to make this possible. Thank you
Good Morning:
Thank you so much for reaching out. August sounds great if it is good for you and your amazing donors. The neighborhood is in need of whatever you are able to do. You are so wonderful! They definitely need hand wipes, sanitizer, food. I noticed that the situation is getting worse and worse as people continue to lose their jobs At Sherwood I am here everyday working with the lunch staff who are distributing lunch bags to our families Monday through Friday. Some families are unable to leave their homes due to illnesses or children so, I have also been driving to homes distributing anything I get donated or have for my families. I check in with them and see what they need and they also email me and ask me for food, mask, hand sanitizer, bleach. There are very few stores around here and it is difficult for families to find cleaning supplies and sometimes even food essentials. Whatever is easiest for you to help, our families would be so grateful. Thank you again and stay safe. Sincerely, Alice Buzanisr
Previous Updates
The latest newsletter has been posted. You may download it by clicking the link above!
As you are well aware the devastation to a number of Bahamian Islands (Abaco and Grand Bahama) is simply horrific. To date 30 lives have, sadly, been lost. According to authorities in the Bahamas, when all is said and done, the number of fatalities is likely to be 'staggering.'
The needs on the above named islands, along with others, are extensive; medical supplies, water, food and so very much more. The Schools Count Corp. Board of Directors is pleased to team with HeadKnowles, a 501 c 3, to aid the Bahamas. HeadKnowles has been assisting hurricane ravaged areas in the Caribbean (Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew) over recent years. I have looked into their performance and current status and I am very confident that they will be on the ground in short order.
I'd like to extend an invitation to you to make a donation to Schools Count Corp which we, in turn, will be provided to HeadKnowles. This is a 72 hour fundraiser and the goal is to raise $7,200.00 during this time period. This is an online only effort with the deadline at 5:00 pm Monday, September 9th. To make a donation simply go to the Donate page. Use the PayPal "Donate" button on the bottom of that page, and please be sure to write "Bahamas" and include your home address by clicking on "Add special instructions." I want to be sure to provide you with a tax deduction receipt.
Please accept my thanks for your consideration. Our board is ever grateful for your generosity.
Dear Schools Count Donors, Volunteers, and Interested Citizens,
I hope this note find you enjoying the onset of summer!!
Over the past few weeks a number of you have reached out to Schools Count to inquire about the possibility of helping refugees on the United States border. As many of you are likely aware, the number of people at the border have many personal and mounting needs. A great number of social and faith based groups are stepping forward to help but the resources needed daily are growing exponentially and many groups are stretched to the max.
The Board of Directors of Schools Count Corp. is pleased to announce an endeavor to help Annunciation House of El Paso, Texas, 10 blocks from the US/Mexico border. This faith based group runs 3 to 5 sites in El Paso (along with helping to process people to other cities) which house families turned over to Annunciation by ICE and the Border Patrol. The families (children and parents) need diapers, kleenex, shorts (it is hot!!) handy wipes, soap, children's medicine, deodorant, toothpaste, tooth brushes and more. To say that the needs are urgent is an understatement. It is imperative to get help to those individuals right away.
To make this a worthwhile initiative - given the growing number of refugees - I'd like to raise $7,500 to buy the above items and get them to those with such desperate needs. To help reach this goal please be so kind as to consider making a donation to Schools Count so that we can purchase the needed personal supplies. To make a donation simply write a check payable to Schools Count and address it to Richard Flesher, 1050 Butters Farm Lane, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Also, put El Paso in the memo section of the check. You may also go online to make a donation if you prefer. Simply go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org to make a tax deductible contribution.
I'd like to ask you to make your contribution as soon as possible but no later than Thursday, July 4th.
Please accept my thanks for your consideration and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher, President
Important note:
Dick's new address is 1050 Butters Farm Lane, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
Dick's email message (4/18/19):
It is my pleasure to invite you to attend our 10th Annual Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Benefit. As in the past, all proceeds go towards building a band program in one of the Chicago Public Elementary Schools. It is our pleasure to raise funds and to purchase instruments for Haley Elementary School.
The HC Jazz Ensembles will be performing on Tuesday, April 30th at 7:00 pm at the Hinsdale Community House located at 415 W. 8th Street in Hinsdale, IL. This is always an evening of great entertainment and excitement!!!
There are plenty of ways to participate in this special event. If anyone has a drum set, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute or saxophone that they would like to contribute, which is in good playing condition, that would be most welcome. Please feel free to bring the instrument to the event. The donation would get you into event as well as my being able to provide you with a tax deduction for the market value of the instrument.
Admission to the performance is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. I'd like to offer you a special manner of supporting the Jazz Benefit and in turn the construction of the Haley band. Please consider being a 'Patron' of the evening. You can be a patron, whether you attend the event or not, by making a special donation - for $25, $50 or $100 - by writing a check payable to Schools Count Corp. Kindly mail the check to Dick Flesher, 9750 Crescent Park Circle, #132, Orland Park, IL 60462. I will match the total 'Patron' donations up to $500. Kindly mail your donation to me no later than Thursday, April 25th.
Thank you for your continued support of the work of Schools Count Corp. Hope to see you on the 30th!!!
Dick's email message from 8/21/18:
Dear Donors, Volunteers and Friends,
I hope this note finds you well and that you have been able to enjoy your summer!
Much is taking place with Schools Count Corp. and, to say the least, there is much excitement surrounding our efforts to assist those in need. Both Archer Daniels Midland and the Daughters of the American Revolution organizations, along with the many donors - yourselves included - are continuing to generously fund our many efforts to help students in need both here in the Chicago area as well as abroad. I'll pass along more information regarding their efforts in the coming days.
Two weeks ago Schools Count delivered school supplies and uniforms to 34 CPS and Harvey, IL schools. The supplies are a welcome way to get students off on a positive note as the school bells ring in the coming days.Our volunteers were remarkable, two weeks ago, in terms of getting the resources to where they are truly needed.
One of the prominent organizations that continues to support Schools Count is the Hinsdale Central High School boys varsity soccer team. A group of boys (Ryan Counts, Marcus Gruvberger, Kosta Kinnas, John-Paul Ltief and Gavin Schwarz) is making great strides at putting together a number of fundraisers through the KICK initiative. There will be an auction, cash raffle and much more. In the coming days fundraisers at Portillo's (in Willowbrook on Monday, Sept. 17th from noon to 8 pm) and Chipotle (in Westmont on September 10th from 5 to 9 pm) will benefit KICK and Schools Count. The flyers are available for download below and I would invite you to grab some delicious food while supporting some wonderful causes. You have to present the flyer in paper form or on your phone in order for us to reap the rewards.
Please be sure to stay in touch and to follow all that is taking place with Schools Count. You can keep abreast of all that is occurring by following us at our website atwww.schoolscountcorp.org and by checking in daily by going to our blog at www.schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com.
I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do to support the students we help along their education journey.
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher
Chipotle flyer Portillo's flyer
Helping Out In Texas
Many of you have reached out to me asking how/what ways you can help those in need in various parts of Texas. Over the past couple of days I have made contact with a teacher in Houston, Texas who attended Hinsdale Central High School. I also have made a number of contacts with a minister who I have worked with over the years.
Yes, both said that urgent assistance is needed. Schools Count will help in two ways.
First, we will provide assistance to Houston and Rockport Schools by providing student supplies and some hygiene products. Second, as conditions unfold and I can get trucks into neighborhoods we will likely have to provide diapers, food, baby formula, water, cleaning supplies and more to various regions. It will take a couple of days for teams to form on the ground to assist with this effort.
Our Board of Directors has enthusiastically endorsed helping our fellow citizens. Right now we need funds to get this effort underway. To make a tax deductible donation towards helping our southern neighbors you can do so in one of two ways. You can donate here on the Donation page. If you contribute on line please indicate "Texas" in your note. If you opt to write a check please make it payable to Schools Count Corp. and mail it to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Court, #112, Orland Park, IL 60462. Kindly write the word "Texas" in the memo section.
Our goal is to raise $25,000!!! We would appreciate your support no matter the size of the donation.
Also, if you would be kind enough to share this note with family, friends, neighbors and/or co-workers I'd be most grateful.
Just a footnote. My supplier of school supplies just confirmed that they will take care of the entire cost of shipping school supplies!!!
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher, President
Building a Band Program
Our charity is not in the business of changing the world but I would be remiss if I didn't admit that Schools Count Corp. is definitely trying to alter things for the better. America and Americans have always stood for the principle of the 'common good.' And that's exactly why I'm reaching out to you. Our charity needs your help.
We are in the process of helping to build a band program at Medgar Evers Elementary School in Chicago. We need funds to be able to buy the instruments for the children. To that end, Schools Count is working with the Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles as they gear up to put on a benefit concert.
And that's where you come in. The more people who attend the Tuesday, April 25th 7:00 pm program the more money we will have to buy instruments. It's that simple!! Individual admission is $5 and the whole family gets in for $10!! Of course, if you make a charitable tax deductible contribution in excess of this amount you also enter for free. What a deal. I hope you have the opportunity to join us at the Hinsdale Community House located on Madison St. in Hinsdale next Tuesday.
This is bound to be a wonderful event and you will be making a diffence in the lives of Medgar Evers students.
Thank you,
Dick
Helping in Haiti
Friends of Schools Count Corp.,
This information came from the lead administrator, and founder, at Bèl Platon, Mr. Tony Delus via Erik at Haiti Partners. It just came a couple of hours ago and details what is taking place on the ground in this small village in Haiti. What is written in italics comes directly from Tony in Bel Platon. It is both devastating and heartbreaking. Photos can be found on the Haiti page.
We are collecting tax deductible donations by mail (payable to Schools Count Corp) to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Ct., Apt. #112, Orland Park, IL 60462 or by making an online donation at www.schoolscountcorp.org. We are collecting through Friday, Oct. 28th. To those of you who have already donated, please accept my sincere thanks for your kind contribution.
Thank you, Dick Flesher
Thank you for your message. I tried to send some messages, but they wouldn't go through.
In the community of Bèl Platon:
- 35 houses were destroyed.
- 8 reservoirs were damaged/destroyed.
- 298 houses were damaged.
- 3 schools were damaged.
- 2 churches were damaged.
- 2 churches were destroyed.
- about 60 cows died.
- Roughly 1000 goats died.
- Around 25 donkeys died.
- With respect to chickens, there are none left.
With respect to the school facilities, there is no damage except for the church building which was torn open. There are real problems at the school now. Parents don't have anything to give their children to eat. Students with destroyed houses have nowhere to stay. It's even hard to find tarps to put over the roofs of houses. We've had 80 children return to the school. Another 40 that enrolled haven't shown up yet. We told parents repeatedly to send their kids even if they haven't paid their fees yet, because we know they don't even have enough money to eat...
For the time being we have purchased some tarps in order to wall off classroom space where children can sit. But since it's not covered, when the rain comes we cannot work. Tables get wet. It's only through awareness that we're holding up.
These numbers are, of course, estimates. That said, there’s no doubt that Matthew wreaked havoc in Bèl Platon and that basic needs - food, treated water, shelter - will be an issue for some time into the future.
Please see the attached pics. I’ll share more info as I learn more.
Thanks,
Erik, Haiti Partners.
Collecting Coats
We will collect coats from Oct. 1st through October 31st, for various schools in Chicago and Harvey, Illinois.
Childrens (K – 8th grade) New winter coats. We are also collecting clean and gently used coats (please…no hoodies, sweat shirts or trench coats). Sizes: children’s sizes: S,M,L,XL and adult: S,M.
You can drop off on the front porch at 345 Harris or 451 Colfax Ave. in Clarendon Hills, or you can also drop off in Room 116A at Hinsdale Central High School. For other arrangements contact Dick Flesher at rich219@comcast.net.
Friends!! For every new coat donated to Schools Count, I will purchase a new knit cap to match!!! Remember, keep your receipt for a tax deduction.
Flooding in Louisiana
Dear Supporters of Schools Count,
Many of you have witnessed the horrific devastation that the floods brought to Baton Rouge, LA and many surrounding parishes. The damage is significant and many homes, businesses and schools have been damaged or destroyed.
I have been in contact with the Baker School District in the Baton Rouge area. The residents have been extremely hard hit. This morning I spoke with the Asst. Superintendent, Dr. Domingue, and she explained that 80% of the citizens and school children in Baker have taken a huge hit. The high school is not able to house students so they are now in a middle school and the middle school students have been moved to an elementary school. The upheaval is great and the need for supplies is urgent. As if this isn't enough, the Baker school district is Title 1. Sadly, this means there is a good deal of poverty in these neighborhoods.
The Schools Count Corp. Board of Directors is pleased to announce that we will assist the five schools in the Baker School District. Supplies have been ordered and will soon be shipped to Baker. We are sending $14,356.00 worth of a wide assortment of supplies/resources to the students who are in need of our assistance.
To help us with this emergency I would like to ask you to donate to this initiative. Any amount of money would be welcome!!! You can make this special donation in two ways. You can write a check payable to Schools Count Corp. and mail it to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Ct., Apt. #112, Orland Park, IL. 60462. In the left portion of the check where it says 'for' please write the word Baker. If you prefer to donate online go to our website at www.schoolscountcorp.org and hit the donate key. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated!!
I have included but one of many links, below, that I think you would find revealing in terms of what Baker is dealing with.
Baker, Zachary hit hard by historic flooding | Baker | theadvocate.comhttp://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/baker/article_284a5836-6228-11e6-85a9-477f28ede95b.html - 383k - Cached - Similar pages
Aug 17, 2016 ... This weekend's flooding has caused multiple road closures and .... 19,La. 964, Lower Zachary Road, Vernon Road and Old Baker Road ...
Again, thank you for your consideration and assistance. Please do contact me if you have questions or would like additional information.
Sincerely,
Dick
Appreciation Abounds!
Nearly 100 donors, volunteers and personnel from recipient schools gathered at Hinsdale Central High School on October 7th to celebrate the great work of Schools Count Corp. "Go Green" workers, volunteers who sort and deliver supplies to area schools in need joined with many generous donors of funds who were honored by Schools Count Corp. President Dick Flesher. Aside from offering our thanks to these terrific people we all joined to share a meal with our good friends from Harvey and CPS schools.
The highlight of the evening centered around the many teachers and principals from recipient schools who offered their thanks to our many volunteers and donors. To say it was a moving experience is an understatement. To a person, each was grateful for the kindness shown by the work of our charity. Those who have benefitted from the initiatives of Schools Count felt that the donation of supplies, uniforms, band instruments, coats and more were making a very positive impact on the learning of the students.
At the end of the evening Schools Count Corp. was pleased to present each recipient school with many winter coats, new pencils and a gift card to Staples. What a wonderful evening!
Sincerely,
Dick Flesher
To our SCC Donors and Volunteers,
My apologies for getting this note of thanks to you a bit late. This past week has been a tremendous success as we delivered supplies to 42 schools in addition to providing band instruments to Barton, Harriett Beecher Stowe and Nathan Hale Middle School. Whether you loaded trucks and pallets or helped get the student supplies in the respective buildings, please know I appreciate all of your efforts. It certainly was a warm and humid number of days this week but, as always, you pulled it all off in an amazing fashion. Below are a couple of notes of thanks that I received from personnel at recipient schools and I wanted to share them with you.
Again, my profound thanks,
Dick Flesher
Mr. Flesher,
Thanks so much for the generous donation that was delivered to Tanner School yesterday. We are extremely appreciative and we look forward to using the resources to support our students' learning during the upcoming school year.
Thanks Again,
Andromeda Bellamy
Assistant Principal
Tanner Elementary School
7350 S. Evans Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60619
Good Morning Dick,
I just wanted to express our gratitude for Schools Count generous donation of school supplies to John Hay! This donation along with all your other contributions has been a blessing to our school! School Supplies will be distributed to students and teachers at our Back to School KickOff in September. Thank you for helping our school community get the school year started off well prepared!
Thanks for everything,
Crissie Williams
Assistant Principal
John Hay Community Academy
As always, if you have any questions or need more information please let me know by emailing me at rich219@comcast.net.
Thanks!
Regards,
Dick Flesher