St. Charles nonprofit provides over 100 backpacks filled with supplies to District 303 students

St. Charles nonprofit Big Hearts of Fox Valley hosted a recent packing event, where volunteers filled over 100 new backpacks with school supplies for students in St. Charles Unit District 303.

Big Hearts of Fox Valley was founded in 2014 to benefit District 303 children and families facing financial hardships. District 303 social workers and administrators work with Big Hearts to identify students in need.

Social workers will see that students receive the backpacks before school starts.

The backpack donations are part of BHFV’s Back to School program, one of four programs the nonprofit runs to support District 303 students and families throughout the year. They also run the Christmas Gift Sponsorship program, Warm Coats Warm Hearts, and Big Hearts Throughout the Year.

The Back to School program is new this year. Pre-K through high school students will receive backpacks.

BHFV volunteer coordinator Julie Garthwaite said the backpacks have everything students need, including writing utensils, art supplies, glue, paper, notebooks, folders, calculators, and headphones.

BHFV only provides students with new, sturdy backpacks and supplies, many of which were donated, and the rest were purchased using monetary donations.

“We couldn’t do it without donations from the community,” Garthwaite said.

Garthwaite said Toys For Tots has been a generous supporter, providing many donated items. She said in addition to donations from community members, local businesses like Primrose School of South Elgin and Goldfish Swim School helped by hosting donation drives to collect supplies.

“We know how exciting it is for students to go back to school with a new backpack full of supplies,” Garthwaite said. “Big Hearts wants them to have all the tools they need for a successful year.”