Since 2010 more than 10,000 students have received new backpacks filled with school supplies as part of an Elgin Community College community service project. (Photo courtesy ECC)

For the past six years, Elgin Community College has partnered with dozens of local non-profit organizations to distributed around 1,800 backpacks filled with school supplies to local kids.

Project Backpack, a community-based initiative led by the college, provides the free backpacks and community resources to families in need living in District 509.

Since 2010, more than 10,000 students have received new backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies. Drop boxes for school supply items are placed at various locations throughout Elgin, including the Anderson Animal Shelter, District U-46 , and the Community Crisis Center.

The annual event is traditionally held the second Saturday in August inside the college’s Building J Events Center. The Northern Illinois Food Bank joined the effort and handed out 7,000 water bottles, apples, and healthy snacks at the event.

“Every recipient who attended Project Backpack received a backpack,” said Katie Storey, Ed.D, student life coordinator and one of the organizers of the event. “We’re so fortunate to have a wonderful partnership with our local social service agencies and school districts.”

“Our event was successful because of the many efforts of the more than 150 volunteers who helped to prepare, organize, and distribute backpacks to our recipients. We look forward to serving our community again in 2016.”

Other community sponsors include: the Community Crisis Center, Kane County Regional Office of Education, Kane County Teachers Credit Union, School Districts U-46 and 300, and United Way of Elgin.

For more information about ECC’s Project Backpack School Supply Fair, visit Project-Backpack.org, or contact the Office of Student Life at (847) 214-7370.

— 1,800 backpacks with school supplies distributed to Elgin kids  —