5,000 Lake County kids will return to school with brand new supplies

The start of school is just weeks away, and with it comes a new round of expenses. Cash for new clothes, fees and supplies will be needed.

Despite some positive signs of economic recovery in recent weeks, many parents won't be able to make those purchases.

But a group of folks have organized to provide some relief.

Hundreds of people from nearly 30 churches across Lake County are buying and filling backpacks for students who can't afford school supplies. And not just a few packs, but 5,000 of them.

Organized by the Libertyville-based Catalyst group, the ShareFest Back Pack Project is in full swing. This year's goal is the highest ever for this annual event.

"We want a better life for these kids," said ShareFest Director Jackie Larson. "We want to reach out and help in a tangible way."

The new backpacks will be filled with crayons, calculators, pencils, protractors and other supplies. Larson said the drive is expected to be more successful this year because purchases can be made online.

Donations are still being accepted at catalystweb.org.

Needy students have been identified in schools across the county. Larson said church members have connected with school principals in Mundelein, Zion, North Chicago and Waukegan and the Round Lake area and other communities.

At about $30 per backpack, Larson said they need at least $150,000 to reach this year's goal. The bulk of the money is coming from individuals, but the group has received donations from Walgreens, Rustoleum, U-Line, Jewel-Osco and others. The drive ends in early August.

The Back Pack Project is just one of many countywide ShareFest and Catalyst events planned this year.

Catalyst is a network of nearly 100 churches across Lake County that come together to connect underserved people with the resources they need.

ShareFest began in 1995 as a one-day community service project. It has grown to include five different initiatives, including a food drive, service projects helping senior citizens and work days at local schools. It involves more than 75 local congregations, thousands of volunteers, and dozens of agencies and schools across Lake County, organizers say.

Larson said she's always overwhelmed by the generosity of people when it comes to filling a need. She said that benevolence is an expression of faith.

"We want to show the love of Jesus to those in need," she said. "And we want to do that in a real way."

Supplies: Donations still being taken online