Medieval Times knights pack school supplies for needy kids

The knights at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Schaumburg burnished their image for chivalry Thursday, braving the sweltering 90-degree heat to pack 200 kits with school supplies that will be distributed to needy kids at Campanelli YMCA in Schaumburg.

"This is part of our Chivalry in Action campaign," said Matt Gill, marketing and sales manager for the 25-year-old jousting tournament and dinner venue. "We're always looking to give back to the community, so we partnered with Back 2 School Illinois. … Kids will get great school supplies to start off the year strong."

Four knights, a princess and a king, along with their helpers, packed the school supplies.

"We're trying to race to see who's going to finish first packing these kits," said Edward Maciejczyk, better known at Medieval Times as The Blue Knight. "It's good to know that the kids in need are going to get the supplies to at least start out the school year with the necessities."

Back 2 School Illinois operates the largest free school supplies program in the state.

"Each of the kits comes with the essential school supplies that kids need to succeed in the classroom," said Back 2 School Illinois CEO Matthew Kurtzman.