Hatching On
Thousands attend school supply giveaway.

The gymnasium at the Kroc Community Center (1250 W. 119th St.) was a frenzy of activity Tuesday, but the “sport” was picking up school supplies as thousands of parents and children attended Jennifer Hudson’s second annual Hatch Day. A line stretched around the block hours before doors opened, and from folders to flash drives, crayons to calculators, attendees had their pick of brand-name supplies donated by Target, Avery and Kleenex. The event was held in memory of Hudson’s nephew Julian on what would have been his 11th birthday, and co-hosted by his mother, Julia Hudson; it was named after a make-believe holiday he created and often celebrated with his family called Hatch Day. And while the room was a sea of smiling faces, Hudson was overcome with emotion when Felicia Davis from Mayor Emanuel’s office read an official proclamation that Aug. 14 would be named after Julian’s holiday. “The proclamation is so powerful,” Hudson said with tears in her eyes. “He has his Hatch Day.”