General Information

When is Project Backpack?

Project Backpack is usually on the first Saturday of August. For 2026, it will be on Saturday, August 1.

Backpack distribution begins at 9 am.

Where is it and how do I get there?

The event is in the Building J Events Center at Elgin Community College. The line begins at the Green Space outside.

• If arriving by car, please park in the Parking Lot J.
• You can also take Pace bus route 549 to the Hoffer Drive & 2nd Street bus stop.

Do I need to sign up before the event?

Nope! This is a first come, first served drop-in event. 

Do I qualify for a backpack and school supplies?

The only requirement to receive a backpack is to be a student (preschool through college) residing within District 509 boundaries.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring

• A photo ID
• Proof of school enrollment

If you do not have proof of enrollment, you can bring proof of residency with District 509 boundaries instead.

Please refer to our Eligibility page for more details.

Do my children need to be with me?

Your children do NOT need to be present. You can just bring proof of enrollment for each child who needs a backpack.

If you do bring your children, there will be lots of free entertainment during the event for them!

How many backpacks can I receive?

Each child can receive only 1 backpack with a basic school supplies kit.

I am unavailable on the day of the event. Can I still get a backpack?

If there are extra supplies after the event, you may pick them up at the Office of Student Life at Elgin Community College between August 3 and August 13. Please call the office at 847-214-7370 to check the availability of supplies.

Sponsor and Donation Information

Do I get benefits with my donation?

Donations of $200 or more are eligible for certain sponsor benefits! Our sponsorship tiers are:

• Gold Sponsor: $1,000+, or 201+ backpacks
• Silver Sponsor: $500 to $999, or 101 to 200 backpacks
• Bronze Sponsor: $200-$499, or 50 to100 backpacks

Please refer to our Sponsorship page for further details on benefits.

I have a large quantity of backpacks and/or supplies. Can I donate them to Project Backpack?

Thank you for your generosity! If you have a large quantity of supplies you’d like to donate, please contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@elgin.edu or 847-214-7370 in advance so we can ensure we’re able to accept and make the best use of your items.

Can my organization include flyers in the backpacks?

Gold sponsors provide flyers to be inserted as part of their sponsor benefits.

If you are not a gold sponsor, but you are associated with a nonprofit that serves families within the District 509 community, please email Student Life at studentlife@elgin.edu for consideration.

1,750 copies must be dropped off at the Student Life Office at Elgin Community College by July 20, 2026 to be included in the backpacks.