2021 - ECC’s Project Backpack is back

Elgin Community College and its partners are preparing for Project Backpack, a community-based initiative to benefit area students in need. Following COVID-19 protocols, there will not be an on-site event, but the committee is coordinating backpacks, school supplies, and/or resources for students in need for fall 2021 from school districts U-46, CUSD 300, CSD 301, CUSD 303, D20, or ECC District 509.

“For the health and safety of everyone, supplies will again be distributed through local school districts until supplies last,” said Megan Highland, ECC student life coordinator and Project Backpack chair.

For students in School District U-46, some schools will receive backpacks and supplies from Project Backpack which will be distributed at their discretion. If your U-46 student needs one, please contact your child’s school social worker or call (847) 888-5000 ext. 4211 or ext. 6768. For other qualifying K-12 districts, parents are asked to contact their child’s social worker for information on backpack availability and distribution. Proof of fall enrollment and a photo ID may be required.

Due to current social distancing guidelines, Project Backpack cannot accept supply donations. Monetary donations are still welcome to help purchase backpacks and supplies. To make a donation or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit project-backback.org. Community members can also donate by check sent to the ECC Foundation, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123. Please write “Project Backpack” in the memo line.

If you are an ECC student and need a backpack, visit the ECC Spartan Food Pantry on campus in Building B, room B175, between 11 am and 2 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays or between 1 pm and 4 pm every other Friday once the semester begins on August 23. Proof of fall enrollment and a photo ID are required.

The Project Backpack Committee includes individuals from Elgin Community College, ECC Faculty Association, Community Crisis Center, ECCP3, Kane County Regional Office of Education, Kane County Teachers Credit Union, and School District U-46. For the most up-to date information on Project Backpack, follow the project on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ECCProjectBackpack/ and visit project-backpack.org.

More than 18,500 students from preschool to college have been served since the initiative began in 2010.