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Hundreds attend Project Backpack at Elgin Community College

Elgin Community College's seventh annual Project Backpack Saturday added to its legacy of helping thousands of area students in need. More than 15,000 backpacks have been distributed since the program started.

All students who live within the community college district or attend its feeder school districts were eligible for backpacks, which were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. About 1,200 students in Elgin Area School District U-46 are considered low income and live beneath the poverty line.

"In the seven years that we have been holding Project Backpack at ECC," said Amybeth Maurer, director of orientation and student life at ECC, "the highlight of the event is watching each child carefully select their backpack, put it on, and confidently leave with a huge smile on their face. That is permanently etched on my heart."

A range of community agencies and more than 100 volunteers worked on the event. The Northern Illinois Food Bank provided nonperishable food items.

Other community sponsors include the ECC Faculty Association, Community Crisis Center, Kane County Regional Office of Education, Kane County Teachers Credit Union, U-46 and United Way of Elgin. For more information, visit project-backpack.org.

Rows upon rows of backpacks, most of which were covered with tarps, wait to be given to needy children. Rob Dicker for the Daily Herald
Maria Flores of Elgin searches for the right backpack for her son, Fernando Rosales, 9. Rob Dicker for the Daily Herald
Northern Illinois Food Bank volunteer Jenna Berndt of Downers Grove fills boxes with healthy snacks for kids to put in their backpacks. Rob Dicker for the Daily Herald
Children and their families stream in and make their first stop at the backpack table. Rob Dicker for the Daily Herald
Alejandra Juarez, 12, of Elgin and her aunt, Maria Manchaca, who were first in line, having arrived at 6 p.m. Friday, check in at the tables that tell of services available. Rob Dicker for the Daily Herald
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