Back-to-School Supply Drive

Project Backpack is a community-based initiative led by Elgin Community College (ECC) and other event partners to benefit K-12 and college students in need by offering appropriate resources to start a successful school year.

Get Involved

Children posing with their new backpacks.

What We Do

Project Backpack is coordinating backpacks, school supplies, and/or resources for students in need that are enrolled for fall 2023 at Elgin Community College (District 509) or school districts U-46, D300, D301, D303, or D20 - or reside therein. Backpacks will be delivered to the districts for distribution prior to the start of the fall school year and will be available via the ECC Food Pantry for ECC students.

In Their Own Words

More than just an annual supply drive, Project Backpack means a lot to everyone in whatever capacity they participate.

Gary Christenson, ECC Professor Emeritus

Volunteer

"The excitement on the kids' faces said it all. It's easy to forget how precious a box of crayons might be to some children. I feel renewed in witnessing that. Please put me down for next year."

Taylor Lantz, President/Manager, ECC College Programming Board

Former Participant

"As a child, I was that student who had to wait in line at similar backpack distribution events, and my parents would rely on others' generosity to make my school year a good year. This time, I got to be on the other side of the event: giving out backpacks to those young children."

Elgin Community College Faculty Association

Sponsor

"We hope to provide backpacks and school supplies to all students in the district who need assistance and link families to some of the many services available to them. Our children are our future, and the power of education fuels that future!"

Richard Green, Foundation Board Member, Professor Emeritus, Alumni of ECC

Community Member

"I have witnessed parents arriving very early and braving the August sun in line to secure backpacks filled with school supplies for their children. I appreciate that the Project Backpack is well organized."

Project Backpack