For small businesses, the last couple of years have been tough. Across our stores, Foursided has learned first hand how difficult it can be navigating health and safety, while continuing to serve our loyal customers, and ensuring employment and benefits for more than 25 employees. And after seeing friends and local shops give way to the struggle, it became clear that this year, one of our top priorities needed to continue to be supporting our Andersonville and Lakeview neighbors in whatever way possible throughout the year.

While we could not contribute as much as we have in prior years, we did our best this year to focus on organizations that we believe are important in our communities and to provide those organizations support year round, not just on a Tuesday in November. 

Below are the friends, neighbors, and nonprofits we supported in 2021 that are near and dear to our hearts. We're thankful for their presence and for all that they do to support the arts, minorities, our communities, and many of our very own customers, too. We hope in sharing this list with you, you may discover a new and local organization to support in 2022:

Andersonville-South Neighborhood Association

A nonprofit organization, the Andersonville South Neighborhood Association is dedicated to making our neighborhood a safe, friendly and attractive place to live and work.

Chicago Diabetes Project

Researchers from around the world have come together to form the Chicago Diabetes Project, a group of highly qualified scientists and their teams committed to achieving one goal: curing type one diabetes.

Chicago Gay Men's Chorus

An inclusive, community-based performing arts organization that creates musical experiences to entertain and enlighten, inspire change, and build community. 

Crossroads Fund

Crossroads Fund supports community organizations working on issues of racial, social and economic justice in the Chicago area. Change not charity!

Equal Hope

A nonprofit organization, saving women’s lives by eliminating health disparities in Illinois. Equal Hope addresses women’s health holistically by eliminating inequities in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship for all women.

Equality Illinois

Equality Illinois is working to build a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and full acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, allowing all people to live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Free Street Theater

Free Street is at the forefront of the movement to create affordable, inclusive, and innovative theater in diverse communities across Chicago.

Full Bath

Full Bath is a toiletries drive. This grassroots mutual aid effort aims to collect high need items, as well as other desired items typically found in a bathroom.

Hell in a Handbag Productions

A nonprofit organization, Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. 

Lurie Children's Hospital

Lurie Children's is one of the top children's hospitals in the nation, providing superior pediatric care, cutting-edge treatments and advanced research. 

Meals on Wheels

A nonprofit organization, Meals on Wheels works to empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated.

Senior Rainbow Assistance Program

An Illinois based nonprofit organization focused on the senior LGBTQ+ community. Their vision is to provide Illinois LGBTQ+ seniors with the support they need to remain safe, warm and healthy at a time of most need.

Sit Stay Read 

A nonprofit organization, Sit Stay Read's mission is to advance children’s literacy skills using an engaging curriculum, certified dogs, and dedicated volunteers.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics is the world’s largest program for sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, inspiring greatness in more than 5 million athletes in 172 nations worldwide. 

St. Gertrude's Parish

A local Parish led by Father Rich, working to create a community, growing in faith, that welcomes all and serves others. 

Thresholds 

Thresholds provides services and resources for those with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders in Illinois. They believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live an independent, healthy life.

We also show our support for as many chamber events as we can, and so can you! 

What other local organizations are out there doing good?

As we plan for our 2022 support, we’d like to hear from you, our customers, what causes and organizations are most important to you.

Share with us what organization and why by below!

Comments (1)

Greetings!
As a long-time customer at your Lakeview location, I’m delighted to learn more about your community engagement. As a member of the team at Care for Real, I am hopeful you’ll consider supporting CfR this year. Care for Real is a true community organization providing thousands of neighbors with fresh and nutritious food through locations in Edgewater and Rogers Park. Care for Real relies on the support of area businesses, neighbors, faith communities, elected officials, and community groups to distribute food, personal care items, clothing, and other services. The need is significant with a 73% increase in pantry visits compared to last year. Please contact me if you need any additional info. Thanks for your consideration! With gratitude,
Jen

Jen Kouba

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