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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HONORING JAHKIL JACKSON FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY WITH PROJECT I AM
WHEREAS, According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, over 82,000 Chicagoans are homeless. 76% of people living in homeless shelters are black, 19% are white and 97% of CPS homeless students are children of color; and,
WHEREAS, Jahkil Jackson, at the age of 8,when many children are only concerned with video games and playing with friends, felt a calling to help those in need; and,
WHEREAS, Jahkil, after helping his Aunt distribute food to the homeless, created Project I Am. Over the past 2 years Jahkil has helped thousands in need by creating and growing Project I Am; and,
WHEREAS, Project I Am serves the Chicago homeless population by distributing “Blessing Bags.” Blessing Bags contain every day essentials many in the homeless community are lacking, including wipes, socks, deodorant, hand sanitizer, granola bars, toothbrush, toothpaste, bottled water, and more; and,
WHEREAS, Jahkil personally distributes the bags to homeless individuals throughout the city, as well as to those in need at Cornerstone Center, Franciscan House, Pacific Garden Mission, Teen Living Center and many other facilities; and,
WHEREAS, Jahkil, a now highly motivated, goal-driven 10 year old, has donated over 1,600 Blessing Bags in 2016, and wants to donate to 5,000 persons by December 31, 2017; and,
WHEREAS, Jahkil, recognizing he could help even more people by partnering with other organizations, worked with Heartland Alliance putting together bags to help with their initiative. Heartland Alliance is one of the world’s leading anti-poverty organizations, working in communities throughout the U.S.; and,
WHEREAS, Jahkil continues to work to make the world a better place by giving of himself, his time and his energy and help as many people as possible, and in 2016 became a member of the WE International Youth Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners to recognize Jahkil Jackson on his commitment to serving those in need and his leadership with Project I Am and the sincere appreciation of the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners is extended to Jahkil Jackson for his service to the wider community.
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