Jesse White Foundation aids 500 students with college supplies

Inside a community center gym on the city’s Near North Side were heartfelt “congrats” to the college-bound students.

“I’m going to Marquette University and I’m studying exercise physiology,” Zaria Douglas said. “I’m excited. I’m really excited. This is a new chapter in my life. Not really that nervous, I’m ready to move forward.”

The 500 students days counting down the days until their next chapter begins.

“I’m going to [California Polytechnic State University in California and I’m going to major in mechanical engineering,” Aiden Lott said. “I’m extremely grateful because I need a laptop for college. I was actually thinking about getting one, but it’s going to cost me around $500, but this free laptop is definitely going to help a lot.”

After a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers, the Jesse White Foundation carried on a long-time tradition by hosting an “off to college trunk party.”

When White started the foundation, he was remembering the people who helped him when he was starting out.

“I remember what happened to me when I was a kid going to college, I was on public aid at the time. It was tough,” White said. “I feel good about the fact that we’re sending them off to become a positive force here in society.”

Students were sent off to start the fall semester with computers, bedding for their dorm rooms, toiletries and school supplies.

In the last decade, 5,000 trunks of supplies have been given away.