Feature Sneak Peek: 826CHI

Have you ever found yourself in need of messenger pigeon feed, a disguise kit, or other gadgets and gizmos related to clandestine spy operations?  If so, head on over to an  inauspicious looking storefront in Wicker Park called The Boring Store-- and support a great local cause in the process.  

On the outside, The Boring Store looks like any one of your run-of-the-mill storefronts... boasting its normal-ness and a "nothing to see here" attitude.  However, those in the know will quickly realize that this storefront is actually the headquarters for one of the most impressive organizations in Chicago: 826CHI.

826CHI is the Chicago branch of a non-profit organization called 826 National that was founded by a group headed by writer Dave Eggers.  The group is dedicated to providing free tutoring services in writing to children of all ages.  One of 826CHI's main goals to inspire children to think creatively and to give them the tools to express that creativity in writing.  Funding for 826CHI is partially covered by profits from The Boring Store.  

A few weeks ago, we had the great honor of catching up with 826CHI's ever-enthusiastic executive director, Barry Benson, for a feature article coming up in our next issue due out on March 17th.  Keep an eye out for our next issue to learn more about 826CHI and be sure to check out 826CHI and The Boring Store at www.826chi.org.