Elgin Community College’s Project Backpack Returns this Summer to Support Students

Elgin Community College (ECC) is seeking sponsors for its annual school supply giveaway fair, Project Backpack, taking place Saturday, August 1, from 9 am to 1 pm in Building J Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Project Backpack provides backpacks, school supplies, and other resources for students residing within District 509.

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. 

Organizations and individuals can support the event through monetary donations or service/in-kind sponsorships. Monetary donations allow ECC to purchase essential backpacks and supplies in bulk; $5 provides one backpack filled with essential school supplies. Service or in-kind sponsors may contribute goods or services to support Project Backpack.

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

Sponsorship levels include:

• Gold ($1,000 and above)
• Silver ($500 to $999)
• Bronze ($200-$499)

Gold sponsors should note two key deadlines:

• Monday, July 6: Deadline to submit a high-resolution logo for volunteer T-shirts
• Monday, July 20: Deadline to deliver 1,500 flyers to the Office of  Student Life (Building B, Room 173)

ECC is also introducing a special Tammy Ray Sponsorship level in honor of longtime committee member Tammy Ray, whose dedication to Project Backpack for more than a decade helped shape the event. In her memory, those who contribute $50 or more in her name may receive Bronze-level sponsorship benefits. 

Past sponsors have included Amazon, Illinois State Senator Cristina Castro, The Kane County Regional Office of Education (ROE), Northern Illinois Food Bank, and more. A full list of sponsors from 2025 can be found here. 

Those interested in becoming a sponsor can contact Joel Yumba at jyumba@elgin.edu or call 847-214-7604. 

To sign up as a donor, volunteer, or agency partner, visit project-backpack.elgin.edu. For questions, contact Gema Atta at geatta@elgin.edu.

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 thousands of children with backpacks, school supplies, and access to vital community resources.

Eligibility
Project Backpack provides school supplies to those in need 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 reside therein.