D47, Crystal Lake Police Host School Supply Backpack Event

On August 3, 2017, the Crystal Lake Police Department, in partnership with District 47, hosted its second annual backpack event at City Hall.

To kick off the event, Crystal Lake Police Chief Black addressed a room full of District 47 students and their families and discussed the importance of education and staying engaged in school.

“The children in our community are our future leaders,” said CLPD Community Relations Officer Ed Pluviose. “We care about these kids and have a vested interest in keeping them engaged in school. We’re happy to give them the boost they need to start the school year on a positive note.”

Last year the CLPD approached the district about starting the backpack program as an opportunity to help students and families and to also interact with them in a positive fashion. District 47 students were eligible for the program based on school social worker recommendation and were provided with backpacks from the CLPD and school supplies from Target.

While last year’s backpack program served 44 students, the program doubled this year to serve 87 students and included two additional partners -- the Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers and Vineyard Church of Crystal Lake.

“We’re grateful for our partnership with the Crystal Lake Police Department and thank them for spearheading this effort,” noted District 47 Superintendent Dr. Kathy Hinz. “We also appreciate the generosity of Target, the Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers, and Vineyard Church. This united community effort provides a brighter start to the school year for many of our students and families.”

PHOTO (left to right): Community Relations Officer Ed Pluviose, Crystal Lake Police Department; Target employees Tristan Levy, Megan Bjorn, Andrew Dodd, Bette Hart, and Kristine Skocz; Community Relations Coordinator Denise Barr, Crystal Lake Elementary District 47.