Esprit de Corps Foundation community service event with Wounded Warrior Project

Operation Serve

VETERANS DON'T STOP SERVING. THEY SERVE DIFFERENTLY.

Part of the Foundation’s Community & Service pillar.

See Upcoming EventsThe Full Framework

The Pillar

Community & Service.

The Foundation's community and service programming keeps veterans engaged in the neighborhoods they live in. From park cleanups to school-supply drives, veterans continue the mission through direct action alongside partner organizations.

See where this pillar fits in the mission framework

Signature Programs

Where we show up.

Esprit de Corps Foundation Back to School Community Day backpack drive in Chicago

Signature Event · August 29, 2026

Back to School Community Day

Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, vaccines, food, and family fun — an annual community day in Back of the Yards.

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Programs

What runs under this pillar.

Recurring programming that puts the Community & Service pillar into practice year-round.

  • Back to School Community Day
  • Community Cleanups
  • Tree Planting Initiatives
  • Park Restoration
  • Veterans Day Service Activation
  • Memorial Day Service Activation
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Standing with veterans

THE TASKFORCE

Chicago sponsors, partners, and community organizations behind the Foundation's Community & Service programming.

Wells Fargo
Chicago Fire FC
Dreamcatcher Cafe
Travis Manion Foundation
UIC Student Veterans Affairs
Association House of Chicago
Ignite
Kids Above All (formerly ChildServ)
NAMI Chicago
Chicago Public Library — Back of the Yards
American Legion Cicero Post 96
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Wells Fargo
Chicago Fire FC
Dreamcatcher Cafe
Travis Manion Foundation
UIC Student Veterans Affairs
Association House of Chicago
Ignite
Kids Above All (formerly ChildServ)
NAMI Chicago
Chicago Public Library — Back of the Yards
American Legion Cicero Post 96
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Esprit de Corps Foundation community service event with Wounded Warrior Project

This is your community.

Pick your path into the Foundation's Community & Service work.

Show Up

Attend an event. Meet the community. Belonging starts by walking in the door.

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Support the Mission

Tax-deductible giving. Every dollar funds events, programs, and the campus.

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Partner With Us

Sponsor an event. Build a sustained partnership. Reach our community.

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