Back-to-School Supply Drive

Project Backpack is an annual giveaway fair that provides backpacks, school supplies, and other resources for students who reside within District 509 (Elgin Community College) boundaries. The event will be held in person at ECC on August 1, 2026 from 9 am to 1 pm in the Building J Events Center.

Get Supplies

Students walking to school with backpacks.

Give Back to the Community

Project Backpack, on average, serves well over 1,000 students each year and has directly impacted over 26,000 students since 2010. Be part of the change and help thousands of your neighbors by getting involved! We invite volunteers, donors, and community partners to work with us in serving the community together.

Get Involved

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 the student who had to wait in line at similar backpack distribution events. My parents relied on others' generosity to make my school year a good one. This time, I got to be on the other side of the event: giving 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."

Contact Us | Contáctenos

If you have any questions about Project Backpack or volunteering for this event, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Contact

ECC Student Life Office

847-214-7370
studentlife@elgin.edu

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre Project Backpack o el voluntariado para este evento, no dude en contactarnos.

Contact

Victoria Ballesteros-Gonzalez

847-214-7313

Habla español