ECC to distribute backpacks, school supplies Aug. 11

Hundreds of Elgin-area students and families in need will receive backpacks filled with school supplies during Elgin Community College's annual Project Backpack back-to-school supply fair Aug. 11.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Building J Spartan Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive.

"It's incredibly moving to see the impact this event has on so many families in our community," said Megan Highland, Student Life coordinator and Project Backpack lead. "Seeing students receive the supplies they need is a wonderful experience, and it's all made possible by the many generous donors and volunteers."

To be eligible to receive backpacks, students must provide proof of residency or enrollment for this school year within the following districts: Elgin Area School District U-46, Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300, Burlington Central Unit District 301, St. Charles Unit District 303, Hanover Park-based Keeneyville District 20 or ECC. Recipients must bring school registration, a report card or other proof of enrollment.

Backpacks and supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one backpack per eligible student.

Since 2010, more than 12,500 students have been served through the fair. More than 1,400 backpacks were distributed to families last year.

Volunteers are needed to help during the event. Anyone interested can register online or make donations at project-backpack.org.

Project Backpack is sponsored by ECC, Elgin Community College Faculty Association, Community Crisis Center of Elgin, ECCP3, Kane County Regional Office of Education, Kane County Teachers Credit Union, U-46 and United Way of Elgin.