Harris & Harris is a long term sponsor of the literary organization Working in the Schools (WITS).
For several years, not only has Harris & Harris contributed financially to the WITS program, but
they have attended events and employees have donated their time.
The organization’s 11th Annual Blackboard Affair was held on May 13th, 2011 and Harris & Harris
was one of several corporate donors. This event, celebrating the end of the academic year, was held
at Salvage One and had nearly 400 guests in attendance. More than $55,000 was raised for the
WITS’s mission of promoting literacy and the love for reading in Chicago Public Schools.
For the past few years, Harris & Harris employees have dedicated their Thursday lunch hour to
read with a student in a Chicago Public School during the school year. This program has proved to
be extremely successful. “We greatly value the partnership we have with the City of Chicago and
it is so important to us here at Harris & Harris that we give back to the City. The WITS program
has allowed our employees to become more involved in the Chicago Public School system and the
program is not only rewarding for the children, but for our employees as well,” said Arnie Harris,
President and CEO of Harris & Harris.
For the 2012 school year, Harris and Harris is part of a pilot program working with first graders.
Harris & Harris is the only company participating in this program. In addition, Harris & Harris
has increased their contribution for 2012 reading program and looks forward to spending another
great year with the kids.
Founded in 1991, WITS is a literary organization that helps to increase the reading proficiency and
learning capacity of low-income and minority students in Chicago Public Schools. WITS provides
one-on-one tutoring and mentoring for its more than 2,500 students across 28 elementary
schools.
Harris & Harris’ company mission differs from that of WITS, but Harris & Harris also values
making one-on-one connections and supporting those who need it most. Harris & Harris exercises
these values through debt collection in the healthcare, utility and government industries. For over
40 years, Harris & Harris has provided outstanding results for its clients through efficient, yet
compassionate debt collection strategies.
Harris & Harris supports WITS because of its outstanding contribution to the City of Chicago and
its youth. Harris & Harris hopes that the people of Chicago find comfort in the efforts that WITS,
Harris & Harris and other companies throughout the Chicago area put forth into the community.
About Harris & Harris
Harris & Harris is a Chicago-based collection agency and law firm. Founded in 1968, the firm has
grown to more than 300 associates headquartered in the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago,
handling high-volume accounts across a variety of industries including healthcare, government,
and utility. It employs state-of-the-art information and data management systems to meet the
speed and reporting needs of its clients. Learn more at www.harriscollect.com.
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