CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Jennifer Hudson's return to Chicago is tinged with sadness as she remembers the loss of her nephew, mother and brother.
Jennifer and her Julia have partnered with the Salvation Army to give school supplies to students who can't necessarily afford it. With their joint efforts they are making sure everyone is prepared for when school starts, together they have given out over 5,000 backpacks filled with supplies.
Hatch Day, a day when kids dreams begin to come true, is in its second year of existence and has grown substantially from the first year. It was started in honor of Julia Hudson's son Julian King who was murdered in 2008. Julian loved school and the event is a way to help encourage kids to stay in school and do well.
Hudson said this was the best way to celebrate her nephew Julian King's birthday. Giving back to Chicago is part of the healing process for
her and her sister.
"To know that he wanted to see his name out there and now it is--for everybody to see. It's great," Julia said.
After the family tragedy, the former American Idol contestant said she moved out of Chicago, but couldn't stay away. Love and support from her fan base brought her back.
"I was like that's the base--my home, you know. Chicago is family. When I walk up the street and somebody sees me, it's just me, Jennifer. This is home and this is where I get to be me and hold onto myself. And Chicago has given me that."
The event began at 10 a.m. at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.
Thousands of Chicago Public Schools students are back in class Tuesday morning. Schools on the early track started Monday.
See: Classes begin for Track-E, year-round students
The students' school day will be longer this year. CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said it's up to each individual school to decide how to use the extra teaching time.
"They know what students actually need," Brizard said. "What's really been wonderful to watch is the variety in which people are implementing the full school day."
But it's not all good news at CPS. The threat of a teachers strike still looms. If the school district and Chicago Teachers Union cannot come to an agreement on a fair contract, the union has the authorization to arrange a walk off.
Brizard said school officials are doing everything they can to avoid a strike.
