The Education Toolbox is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Chicagoland Area. Founded by McKenzie and Madison Reitmayer, our mission is deeply entrenched in their personal experiences and unwavering commitment to female empowerment.
Growing up with a single mother, McKenzie and Madison intimately understand the transformative power of education and the profound impact that educational resources had on their personal journeys. They were lucky to grow up with books that ignited McKenzie’s passion for literature and writing, along with computer devices that fostered Madison’s love for technology. These invaluable resources, often taken for granted, played a pivotal role in shaping who McKenzie and Madison are today. And, we recognize that these resources can continue to positively shape the lives of women affected by domestic violence for years to come. Acknowledging their formative encounters, McKenzie and Madison realized that education serves as a conduit not only for personal advancement but also as a catalytic force for societal transformation. It was these considerations that inspired the establishment of The Education Toolbox Initiative.
As we embarked on this journey, a crucial question loomed before us: Where would we source the necessary school supplies? However, eye-opening statistics swiftly provided us with a resounding answer.
Consider this: Every year, an astounding 1.6 billion pens are carelessly discarded, 64,000 tons of textbooks end up in landfills, and over half a million pounds of used crayons are needlessly cast aside. These staggering figures reveal an untapped solution, surreptitiously concealed before our very eyes.
At The Education Toolbox, we refuse to let these overlooked reservoirs of educational potential go to waste. Through the strategic deployment of collection boxes, drives, and other impactful events, we aim to harness the power of these unused resources and redirect them to the women who need them most. We also collect donations in order to provide women affected by domestic violence and their children with the new books and school supplies they deserve. So far, we have been able to collect and donate 370+ used books and pieces of school supplies!
Join us on this mission to empower women impacted through domestic violence through education. Together, with the support of our community, volunteers, and partners, we can create a brighter future for women affected by domestic violence. By empowering them with educational resources, we open doors, ignite passions, and pave the way for personal and societal transformation.
Meet our Board
McKenzie Reitmayer
McKenzie is a senior at Highland Park High School and the co-founder of The Education Toolbox Initiative. The same driving forces of social justice, female empowerment, and a profound love for literature that underpin the creation of this nonprofit also permeate McKenzie’s other passions.
Notably, McKenzie is the varsity captain of her school’s basketball team and varsity crew team. She finds fulfillment in inspiring and training younger girls in the community in their respective athletic journeys.
While off the court or away from the water, you can catch McKenzie cozying up with a book to achieve her 40 book a year Goodreads goal. She also channels her passion for literature through her blog, “Her Passionate Pen,” hosted at mckenziereitmayer.com. Within this blog, McKenzie expounds on subjects ranging from book reviews to illuminating the remarkable achievements of female authors. Her writing experience transcends the boundaries of her blog as she dedicates herself to the composition of a book, concurrently contributing to her Tiktok poetry account on a daily basis.
McKenzie eagerly embraces this journey with The Education Toolbox Initiative, intertwining her passions for gender equity and literature in pursuit of a greater mission: aiding women impacted by domestic violence.
Madison Reitmayer
Madison is a current junior at Highland Park High School and the co-founder of the Education Toolbox Initiative. Madison is a multi-faceted individual with a wide array of passions and goals!
Apart from this nonprofit, Madison is also a part of varsity basketball and the first varsity flag football team at her high school! Madison’s strong competitiveness pushes her on both the court and field to play her best. Madison’s love for athletics is also pursed as she helps teach young girls how to play ball!
Beyond sports and personal life, Madison’s leadership qualities extend to various clubs at her school. Madison is currently the PR Chair for Girl Up, engages in Class Council activities, and helps run the annual Charity Drive at her school.
When Madison is not at school, she is constantly cherishing quality moments with her family and taking walks with her best friend and dog, Moose!