Groups raising money for DuPage students in need

The DuPage Credit Union has partnered with the DuPage Regional Office of Education and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet for the fifth consecutive year to raise money for DuPage County students in need through its annual We've Got Your Back fundraiser.

The credit union hopes to raise $10,000 this year and relieve hundreds of local families in need of the burden of purchasing school supplies for their children.

All proceeds will be used to purchase backpacks and basic supplies needed throughout the school year such as paper, pencils, erasers and calculators.

"Although a backpack and new school supplies may not seem like much," Vice President of Business Solutions Amy Brandt said, "to many DuPage County families in need it's a vital helping hand at what is a very expensive time of year for those with children in school. Enrollment fees, book rentals, clothing and other back-to-school expenses can add up quickly."

Since its inception, the We've Got Your Back fundraiser has raised more than $50,000 and helped thousands of students in DuPage start the school year with the tools needed to succeed in the classroom.

"We've been humbled by the generosity of our members, team members, sponsors and the community, helping to make this fundraising event a success" Brandt said.

Monetary donations are being accepted through July 31 and can be made online at dupagecu.com or at a branch office: Downers Grove, 725 Ogden Ave.; Naperville, 790 Royal St. George Drive; and Wheaton, 625 E. Roosevelt Road.

The fully-stuffed backpacks will be handed out to DuPage County students in need who attend Catholic Charities' DuPage County Back to School Fair on Aug. 1 at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.