Participate in Palatine Township's 31st Annual Apple Tree Campaign

Now in its 31st year, Palatine Township's Apple Tree Campaign is accepting donations of new school supplies and backpacks for under-resourced kindergarteners through 9th graders living in the Township who attend District 15 and 211 schools. These donations, along with non-perishable food items to benefit the Township Food Pantry, will be accepted at the campaign's 'kick off' during the Palatine Jaycees Hometown Fest Parade Saturday, July 6, 2019 in downtown Palatine. Look for the Palatine Township Food Pantry Truck leading the parade where these items will be accepted beginning at 10:30 a.m., and during the parade. Donors will receive a small American flag, while supplies last.

A list of needed school supplies, along with a variety of locations throughout the Township they can be dropped off at can be found at palatinetownship-il.gov/apple-tree-campaign/. Donations will be accepted July 1 through August 2.

School supplies and backpacks can also be dropped off at Palatine Township Center during normal business hours; Mondays from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Monetary donations to support this program will additionally be accepted. Checks can be made payable to: 'Palatine Township Needy Family Fund', with 'Apple Tree' written in the memo line, and dropped off/mailed to: Palatine Township, 721 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, Illinois, 60067.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the set up and maintenance of school supply collection sites, to sort school supplies and assist children on the distribution days. The Township is also seeking local hair stylists willing to donate their services between August 8-10 to provide haircuts for children waiting in line to pick out their school supplies.

"We invite our residents to get involved with this worthwhile program, either by donating or volunteering their time to ensure it continues to be successful," said Palatine Township Supervisor Sharon Langlotz-Johnson. "The Apple Tree program is focused on providing in-need children with the supplies they need for school, despite financial circumstances, so that they can concentrate on learning."

School supplies and backpacks will be distributed between August 8-10 at the Palatine Township Center, prior to the start of the 2019-2020 school year.

Those interested in volunteering can email Judy Mazzone at Jmazzone@palatinetownship-il.gov. For questions about the program, please call the Township at 847-358-6700 or email Lori Llindberg at Llindberg@palatinetownship-il.gov.