Through the generosity of many donors, Catholic Charities is able to provide several backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, pens, rulers, and much more to children in need around the diocese each summer before school.  In 2022 over 500 backpacks have been distributed to children in Champaign, DePue, Galesburg, Lacon, LaSalle, Odell, Peoria, Rantoul and Rock Island.

We would like to expand this program to more areas for 2023.  We can do this with your help.  If you would like to donate backpacks or supplies or have a drive for supplies at your church or business let us know.  We will be collecting the following items:

Backpacks, Rulers, Erasers, Pencils, Pencil Sharpeners, Pens, Markers, Highlighters, Glue Sticks, Notebooks, 2-Pocket Folders and Lined Writing Paper.  We also place a spiritual item in each backpack.  Thank you St. Thomas in Philo for your recent donation.