Common and his mother, Dr. Mahalia A. Hines, are partnering with the company Burlington Stores and the non-profit organization Adopt-A-Classroom.org to raise money for supplies for teachers and students nationwide.

The two kicked off the campaign by making a $10,000 donation to the organization and visited a class in New York City where they spent time with the students. Common and Dr. Hines saw some of the students’ creative works and learned what motivated them.

Common talked about his visit with students and said it reminded him of how important it is for students and teachers to get the supplies they need. He emphasized his support for school when he said:

“My mother has been in the Chicago school system for more than 35 years, and I am honored to do my part to help teachers get the materials they need to help their students succeed.”

This is the second year Common and Dr. Hines are working with Burlington and AdoptAClassroom. The campaign started in July and will continue through August 18th. According to a press release about the partnership, shoppers at the Burlington stores will be encouraged to donate to the AdoptAClassroom organization while they are at the register checking out items.

The Oscar, Grammy and Emmy award winner remains active on social issues. He repeatedly uses his platform in music to bring light to issues affecting the community. According to NBC Chicago, Dr. Hines currently serves on the board of directors of the Common Ground Foundation, a foundation started by her son to help empower youth in urban neighborhoods.