How to Help: Introduction

How To Help - Make a Difference in the Fight Against OCD

OCD Chicago is the organization behind the OCD Education Station.  Our leadership emphasizes education -- from providing guidance and answering questions for all who contact us for help, to the creation of the OCD Education Station web site -- making the fight against OCD at school one of our highest priorities.  Of vital importance is educating school personnel about ways to improve the learning experience and social development of students who have OCD.  We need your help to strengthen and extend this initiative.

We are a small organization with a big heart.  Our OCD Chicago web site (www.ocdchicago.org) and acclaimed OCD Guides provide encouraging and practical steps to improve the lives of OCD sufferers. Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers speak with people every day who have looked elsewhere for help but find new courage in the insights provided by OCD Chicago.

The OCD Education Station is the most comprehensive resource for school personnel on the Internet.  Its creation was made possible through the generosity of people like you.

OCD Chicago is a not-for-profit organization qualified under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent of the law, and are acknowledged.  Read more about us in the About Us section.

Donate Now

You can choose from these easy ways to donate:

Matching Gift Programs

Many employers have matching gift programs.  This means that you can generally double any gift you make by participating in such a program.  Contact your Human Resources Department and ask -- matching gifts multiply your generosity.

Ask United Way to Support OCD Chicago

If you donate to United Way, including workplace donations, you can direct United Way to contribute a portion of your donation to OCD Chicago.  Contact your United Way chairperson at school or work, or the United Way of Chicago at 312-906-2350 to learn how to do this.

Gifts of Securities

Gifts of highly appreciated stocks can give donors a great result.  If the stocks are owned for more than one year, the donor can deduct the entire fair market value of the gifted shares and pay no capital gains tax on the appreciation.  Contact Ellen Sawyer, our Executive Director, at 773-880-1635 or by email before you sell any profitable stocks or other securities.

Create a Legacy of Giving to Help Those Who Suffer with OCD

You do not need to be wealthy to create a legacy to benefit those tortured by a life with OCD.  A future gift is easy to create, can be changed throughout your lifetime and may someday help thousands of OCD sufferers.  There are two easy ways to make a legacy gift:

  • The simplest way is to provide a fixed amount or percentage gift in your will or living trust.  Your attorney can draft a simple one page codicil to your will or amendment to your trust when you create or revise your estate plan.
    Click here for sample language
  • You can also name OCD Chicago as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

For more information on making a gift to OCD Chicago as part of your estate plan, contact Ellen Sawyer, our Executive Director, at 773-880-1635 or by email.

Help Us Build Awareness and Support

If you find the OCD Education Station helpful, you can help others benefit from this site and from the work of OCD Chicago.

Send the OCD Education Station web site link to other educators and school personnel you know.  Even if they do not have a student with OCD right now, chances are they will need this site for information and practical assistance in the future.  Email this link: www.ocdeducationstation.org.