For over ten years 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_2018.pdf |
Time to Get Jazzed Up!
It's once again time to head to the Hinsdale Community House for some wonderful jazz. The Hinsdale Central High School ensembles will play some of your favorite pieces on Wednesday, April 25th. This is quite a night as all of the proceeds will be used to help Chase Elementary School in Chicago initiate an after-school band program.
The program starts at 7:00 sharp and the cost is unbelievably reasonable...$5 per person or $10 for the entire family! There's one other way of paying for your entry fee while being recognized for your support of the musicians and Schools Count Corp.
Anyone making a donation of $25 will be recognized as a 'bronze' patron in addition to getting free entry. Anyone making a donation of $25 to $50 will be recognized as a 'silver' patron in addition to getting free entry. Finally, anyone making a donation in excess of $50 will be recognized as a 'gold' patron while obtaining free entry to the festivities. Of course these donations will enable you to obtain a tax deduction for your contribution.
Simply send your donation to Dick Flesher at 9550 140th Court, Unit 112, Orland Park, IL. 60462. Kindly make the check payable to Schools Count Corp. Please be sure to get your check to me no later than Friday, April 20th.
Many thanks,
Dick Flesher
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
Previous Updates
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
It's once again time to head to the Hinsdale Community House for some wonderful jazz. The Hinsdale Central High School ensembles will play some of your favorite pieces on Wednesday, April 25th. This is quite a night as all of the proceeds will be used to help Chase Elementary School in Chicago initiate an after-school band program.
The program starts at 7:00 sharp and the cost is unbelievably reasonable...$5 per person or $10 for the entire family! There's one other way of paying for your entry fee while being recognized for your support of the musicians and Schools Count Corp.
Anyone making a donation of $25 will be recognized as a 'bronze' patron in addition to getting free entry. Anyone making a donation of $25 to $50 will be recognized as a 'silver' patron in addition to getting free entry. Finally, anyone making a donation in excess of $50 will be recognized as a 'gold' patron while obtaining free entry to the festivities. Of course these donations will enable you to obtain a tax deduction for your contribution.
Simply send your donation to Dick Flesher at 9550 140th Court, Unit 112, Orland Park, IL. 60462. Kindly make the check payable to Schools Count Corp. Please be sure to get your check to me no later than Friday, April 20th.
Many thanks,
Dick Flesher
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
Previous Updates
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