Volunteers needed for ECC’s Project Backpack school supply giveaway

Elgin Community College is seeking volunteers to assist with an annual giveaway of school supplies to support local students.

Project Backpack provides backpacks and school supplies to students enrolled in or living in six local school districts. The initiative has helped over 26,000 children prepare for school and have access to community resources since 2010.

This year’s event will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. in the Building J Events Center at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

The Project Backpack committee is seeking assistance from anyone interested in community outreach, packing supplies or aiding with day-of-event tasks.

“Project Backpack is a powerful example of what our community can accomplish when we come together,” ECC Student Life Coordinator Gema Atta said in a press release. “With your help, we can ensure hundreds of students walk into the new school year with confidence and the supplies they need to thrive.”

Packing days will be held on Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, with three two-hour shifts starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m.

On event day, volunteers are needed to hand out tickets, direct lines, give away backpacks and refill supplies. Event day shifts start are just over four hours long.

Anyone interested in signing up as a volunteer can visit project-backpack.elgin.edu. For questions, contact Atta at geatta@elgin.edu.

Last year, 1,275 backpacks were distributed, 572 families were impacted, and nearly $8,000 was raised.

Project Backpack is available for students in Elgin Area School District U-46, Community Unit District 300, Central Community Unit School District 301, St. Charles Community Unit School District 303, Keeneyville School District 20 and Elgin Community College District 509.