Every Student, Ready to Learn.

We partner with schools, families and local organizations to meet practical needs so that every student is ready to learn. No child should miss school because they don't have food, clean clothes or basic supplies.

Our Programs

Provides school districts and communities with the tools, guidance, resources, and ongoing support needed to establish and sustain a successful education foundation, creating long-term opportunities for students and schools.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Delivers free, high-quality books each month to children from birth to age five, helping build early literacy skills, foster a love of reading, and prepare young learners for kindergarten.

Helps remove unexpected financial barriers so students can stay enrolled and continue pursuing their postsecondary education.

Support students as they transition from high school to college, career training, military service, or the workforce by helping remove financial barriers to their next step.

127,145

Students enrolled in Lake County, Illinois schools (Lake County Regional Office of Education 2023 Annual Report)

37,115

Number of Lake County students who are eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch (ISBE eligibility data)

58,118

58,118 Lake County residents in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau estimate)

"When a student doesn't have a warm coat, clean clothes, or enough to eat, learning becomes nearly impossible. LCROEF exists to remove those barriers so students can focus on being kids and reaching their full potential. It's one of the most powerful ways we can support our schools and communities."