Amazon Donates to ECC’s Project Backpack Giveaway For Second Consecutive Year

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Elgin Community College’s (ECC) annual Project Backpack school supply giveaway received a large donation from Amazon for the second consecutive year. The company donated more than 1,700 backpacks to support the August 1 event, which provides free school supplies and community resources to students and families throughout District 509. 

More than 800 backpacks were distributed at the event on August 1, 2026. The remaining backpacks will be distributed across the district's schools based on need.

This year, the giveaway had more than 200 volunteers, the most the event has ever had, according to Rick Green, ECC alum, former faculty member, and volunteer coordinator for Project Backpack. 

“Although rain tried to dampen the outside activities, the backpacks, agency fair, Northern Illinois Food Bank food distribution and diaper distribution provided much-needed support for our neighbors in need,” Green said. “The amount of excitement and big smiles expressed by the students sporting new backpacks filled with school supplies was clear evidence of the success of the 2026 ECC Project Backpack.”

More than 40 community agencies and organizations also participated in the event, connecting families with their services and resources. The Northern Illinois Food Bank distributed 4,164 pounds of food to 252 families, while St. Paul's Diaper Ministry distributed 1,136 diapers to families in need.  

“Despite the weather, hundreds of children left with huge smiles, backpacks filled with school supplies, and excitement for the year ahead,” said Amybeth Maurer, assistant dean of the student experience and engagement at ECC. “Events like this are only possible because of the incredible generosity of our community partners and the dedication of my colleagues at Elgin Community College, who poured their hearts into making this day a success. Together, we helped ensure students are prepared, confident, and ready to thrive this school year.”

Sponsor Boost

The Project Backpack team is grateful for our many sponsors who helped make the event happen.

This year’s gold sponsors (who donated over $1,000) included:

• Amazon
• Cristina Castro – State Senate District 22
• Greater Family Health
• Elgin Community College Faculty Association
• Northern Illinois Food Bank
• La Michoacana
• Regional Office of Education, Kane County
• First Congressional Church of Dundee
• Consumers Credit Union
• Thomas and Anne Johnson

Tammy Ray Sponsor Level

This year, we proudly introduced a special sponsorship level in honor of a beloved committee member, Tammy Ray, whose unwavering dedication to Project Backpack for over a decade helped shape this event into what it is today. Even in her passing, she continues to give back by asking others to donate to the continued success of Project Backpack.

In honor of Tammy’s memory, those who gave a gift of $50 or more in her name may receive the benefits of our Bronze Level sponsorship, if desired. In addition, every $5 donated in Tammy’s name will sponsor a backpack with a special tag recognizing your contribution in her honor. 

There were over 600 donations made in Tammy Ray’s name this year. 

Tammy Ray Sponsors included:

• Erika & Tony Macrito
• Dan Kernler
• Nancy Rager
• Nelson Daschke
• Jane Lehmann
• Ann Teson
• Scott and Margot Vanderlin and Wojdyla
• Robert Brogan
• Mi Hu
• Courtney Lynch
• Richard and Cindy Green
• First Congregational Church of Dundee 

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.