826 National is an educational nonprofit organization. The organization's eight chapters include 826 Valencia in San Francisco, 826NYC in Brooklyn, 826LA in Los Angeles, 826CHI in Chicago, 826Michigan (serving Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Ypsilanti), 826 Boston in Boston, 826DC in Washington, DC, 826 New Orleans, and 826MSP.
History The flagship chapter of 826, 826 Valencia, opened in 2002, at 826 Valencia St. in the Mission District of San Francisco. The original address inspired the name 826 National. It was co-founded by educator Nínive Clements Calegari and author Dave Eggers.
Following the founding of 826 Valencia, 826NYC was formed in 2004. In 2005, 826Michigan, 826LA, and 826CHI were established, respectively. In 2007, 826 Boston joined, followed by 826DC, which opened in 2010.
In 2008, a national office was established to support the chapters and act as a central hub of the 826 network.
Store themes Each 826 National store has a themed retail outlet. These include: +826 BostonGreater Boston Bigfoot Research Institute826 ChicagoThe Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Company826NYCThe Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company826LAThe Time Travel Mart826 ValenciaThe Pirate Supply Store & King Carl's Emporium826michiganLiberty Street Robot Supply & Detroit Robot Factory 826 New OrleansNew Orleans Haunting Supply Co.826DCTivoli's Astounding Magic Supply 826MSPMid-Continent Oceanographic Institute
The Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas, formerly called 826 Seattle, operates the Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company.
Volunteer network Volunteers are trained by staff members for various areas of 826 programs: After-school tutoring, the Young Authors Book Project, field trips, in-school programs, and writing workshops. Volunteers can also help in administrative jobs, such as website maintenance and graphic design.
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