Families filled the Center Court of Chicago Ridge Mall on Aug. 15 for the annual Back-to-School Bash, a community celebration designed to bring neighbors together while supporting a good cause.
All afternoon long, the area in front of H&M and Pandora bustled with activity at the mall, 444 Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge.
Children decorated backpacks, posed for photos, and snacked on treats from Doc Popcorn/Dippin’ Dots and Chick-fil-A, while supplies lasted.
Retailers offered giveaways, and community partners, including the Chicago Ridge Public Library, Chicago Ridge Fire Department, and OSF HealthCare, hosted games, handed out prizes, and shared resources.
To take part, families were encouraged to bring gently used clothing for Mercy Homes for Boys and Girls.
“The goal is to collect a variety of items for all ages,” said Yahayra Argueta, Marketing & Community Engagement Manager for Chicago Ridge Mall. “This clothing drive is a simple yet impactful way for the community to help one another as we prepare for the school year ahead.”
All clothing collected during the event will be donated to Mercy Homes for Boys and Girls the week of August 18.
Argueta added that the Bash was about more than just preparing for classes.
“The Back-to-School Bash is an opportunity to bring families together in a fun, uplifting environment,” Argueta said. “It is more than just a seasonal event; it is a opportunity to connect with neighbors and celebrate the community that makes Chicago Ridge so special.”
Shoppers said the Bash offered a mix of fun and practicality. Jessica Garcia, of Oak Lawn, attended with her husband and three children, Jaylene, 9, Jaylani, 7, and Joziah, 3 who were decked out in their back-to-school attire.
“We’re here back-to-school shopping together, getting everything from clothes, supplies and shoes,” she said. “This is a fun way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the school year.”
Siham Eid, also of Oak Lawn, said the afternoon was about more than just errands. “We came out so the kids could socialize before school starts — they’ve already ran into so many kids they know,” she said.
Michael Greene, General Manager at Chicago Ridge Mall, said the celebration also reflected the mall’s broader mission.
“The Back-to-School Bash is part of Chicago Ridge Mall’s commitment to serving as a community hub and one of many events we host throughout the year,” Greene said. “It’s all about driving customer service engagement for the entire mall.”
