ECC Seeks Volunteers for Annual Project Backpack Set for August

ELGIN, Ill. July 7, 2026 — Elgin Community College (ECC) is seeking volunteers to support Project Backpack, its annual school supply giveaway for local students. This year’s event will take place Saturday, August 1, from 9 am to 1 pm in the Building J Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Project Backpack provides backpacks, school supplies, and other resources for students residing within District 509. The Project Backpack committee welcomes assistance from anyone interested in community outreach, packing supplies, or aiding with day-of-event tasks.

Volunteer Opportunities

Packing Days

Shifts:

• Wednesday, July 29
  • 9 to 11 am
  • 11 am to 1 pm
  • 1 to 3 pm

• Thursday, July 30
  • 9 to 11 am
  • 11 am to 1 pm

Event Day

Volunteers will be stationed at multiple locations throughout the event space. Possible stations include handing out tickets, directing lines, giving away backpacks, and refilling supplies. More information will be provided on the day of the event.

August 1 Shifts:

• 7 to 11:15 am
• 10:45 am to 3 pm

To sign up as a volunteer, visit project-backpack.elgin.edu. For questions, contact ECC’s Student Life Coordinator Gema Atta at geatta@elgin.edu.

“Project Backpack is a powerful example of what our community can accomplish when we come together,” said Atta. “With your help, we can ensure hundreds of students walk into the new school year with confidence and the supplies they need to thrive.”

During the Project Backpack event in 2025, 1,275 backpacks were distributed, 572 families were impacted, and $7,720 was raised. Since 2010, more than 26,000 students have benefited from this initiative.

“Project Backpack is one of those special events that truly showcases the generosity of our community,” said Amybeth Maurer, assistant dean of student experience and engagement at ECC. “Consider volunteering during packing days or during the event on August 1. You can play a role in helping local children start the school year with confidence. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they receive their backpacks makes every effort worthwhile.”

About Project Backpack

Project Backpack is a collaborative effort between Elgin Community College and numerous community partners to support local students and families. Since its inception, the initiative has provided over 26,000 children with backpacks, school supplies, and access to vital community resources.

Eligibility
Project Backpack provides school supplies to any student enrolled in the current fall semester at Elgin Community College (District 509) or in the following school districts: U-46, D300, D301, D303, or D20, or who resides therein.

Contact:
Elgin Community College
Communications
Office: 847.214.7838
Email: news@elgin.edu

About ECC: An Achieving the Dream Leader College and one of the Aspen Institute’s Top 200 schools in the nation, Elgin Community College (ECC) is a comprehensive, fully accredited public community college and serves approximately 16,000 students each year Programs of study include more than 30 major fields for university transfer, a full complement of pre-collegiate courses, corporate and continuing education, and more than 130 career-oriented occupational degrees and certificates. ECC is also a U.S. Department of Education-designated Hispanic Serving Institution.

ECC NEWS MEDIA PROTOCOL
All members of the media should utilize the communications department as the first point of contact. The director of communications may be reached at 847-214-7838 or news@elgin.edu. All Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests must be submitted in writing to Erin Schmalen, compliance officer, at eschmalen@elgin.edu or via fax at 847-214-7375.