Every month, Froggy 102.7 shines a light on the people and organizations doing amazing things for our community as part of Heart for Hart. This month, we’re spotlighting the Elkhart Education Foundation (EEF) — an organization built entirely around one simple idea: every kid in Elkhart Community Schools deserves the tools to succeed, no matter what.

Who they are

EEF got its start back in 2013, when the foundation’s founding Executive Director noticed something: a lot of school districts around the country had their own education foundations to rally community support behind their schools — but Elkhart Community Schools (ECS) didn’t. Considering Elkhart is known as “the city with a heart,” that felt like a gap worth filling. By 2014, EEF was officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and for more than a decade now they’ve been finding new ways to bring extraordinary learning experiences to ECS students.

Their mission comes down to three things: igniting the power of community, connecting generous hearts with education, and providing the resources every child needs to excel — both inside and outside the classroom.

What they actually do

EEF isn’t just writing checks from behind a desk — they’ve built hands-on programs that make a real, everyday difference for ECS teachers and students:

• The Schoolhouse Supply Store — This is a big one. ECS teachers report spending over $1,000 of their own money every year on school supplies and hygiene products for their students. EEF’s answer? A free store, open the first Wednesday of every month from September through May, where ECS teachers, paras, counselors and social workers can shop at no cost for the supplies their students need. With over 10,000 students in the district, that adds up to a lot of kids getting what they need to learn.
• Staff Appreciation — EEF runs a Staff of the Month program (sponsored by Lake City Bank) to recognize the ECS educators and staff going above and beyond for their students all school year long.
• The Henkin Music Grant — Named for Daniel and Mary Henkin, who once owned the C.G. Conn instrument company and were known for championing school music programs, this fund — administered through the Community Foundation of Elkhart County — has helped pay for things like musical productions, keyboards for elementary and middle school band programs, and even string coaching from the Fischoff Foundation. It’s a fitting legacy for a community with deep roots in the musical instrument industry.
• ECS Funding Requests — EEF also fields and funds requests directly from ECS to help fill gaps and support new ideas across the district.

Why it matters

At the end of the day, EEF exists so that a student’s ability to succeed in the classroom doesn’t depend on what their family can afford. Whether it’s a backpack full of supplies, a working instrument, or a teacher who feels appreciated and supported, EEF is quietly making sure Elkhart’s “city with a heart” reputation shows up in its schools too.

How you can help

Elkhart Education Foundation runs on community generosity. You can:

• Donate supplies or funds to help restock the Schoolhouse Supply Store (host a drive at your business!)
• Give financially — even $10 supplies 200 pencils, and $100 can equip a teacher with classroom tools
• Follow along and spread the word on Facebook and Instagram

Learn more or get involved at elkhartedfoundation.org.

This month’s Heart for Hart is brought to you by Froggy 102.7 — connecting the Michiana community with the people and organizations doing amazing things right in our backyard.