(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP announced today that the firm donated school supplies to students at Chicago Public Schools' Jose de Diego Community Academy, which serves the city's Humboldt Park and Wicker Park neighborhoods.

"Katten is committed to supporting students so they have the best opportunities to succeed," said Gil M. Soffer, managing partner of the firm's Chicago office. "These supplies will help provide an exciting and welcoming learning environment so students can thrive in the classroom. We want every child to get this school year off to a great start."

Many teachers turn to online fundraising platforms and spend their own money to buy classroom supplies. A recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 94 percent of public school teachers pay for classroom supplies without reimbursement, spending an average of nearly $500 a year. To help offset those costs, Katten organized a school supply drive for attorneys and employees, who donated hundreds of pencils, notebooks, crayons, pens, folders and backpacks for students and provided the school with additional financial donations.

"This generous donation will be a huge help to our teachers who work hard to make sure our students have all the supplies they need throughout the school year. Providing these classroom essentials is one more way Katten makes a difference in the lives of our students," said Principal Jacqueline Menoni. "We are fortunate and thankful to have Katten as a partner. The attorneys' dedication of time and resources has been invaluable to our school."

Since 2011, Katten has partnered with Jose de Diego Community Academy, organizing a holiday book drive, participating in the Lawyers in the Classroom program to help students better understand the legal system and learn about law-related careers, and providing pro bono legal counsel to residents at the school's Katten Legal Clinic, which is open once a month during the school year.