Pencils in the Park backpack, school supply giveaway rescheduled for Aug. 19 at Davis Park

Online Staff Report

The annual Pencils in the Park event — originally to be held Saturday, Aug. 13, at Davis Park — was abruptly canceled because of heavy rain, high winds and dangerous amounts of lightning. As a result, the event has been rescheduled for 3-6 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19, on the south side of Davis Park, 320 S. Wyman St.

Angela Harris, event coordinator, said, “Over 4,500 backpacks filled with school supplies still remain.”

Parents are asked to bring a driver’s license or state ID, and a medical card or school registration papers for children.

“With school starting in one week, our focus is now to get all backpacks distributed as soon as possible,” Harris said.

“Life Center began collecting backpacks and school supplies through the well-known program ‘Tools for School’ seven years ago,” Harris explained. “The program has now grown to a massive community-driven project with partners including Ald. Ann Thompson-Kelly (D-7), Comcast, Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority and Wal-Mart, with a mission to ‘equip our kids for success.’

“The staggering statistic of 78 percent of students registered in Rockford’s District 205 that receive free and/or reduced lunches is the motivation behind this impactful event,” Harris continued. “Providing students with the tools necessary for learning fundamentally strengthens their path toward success, and ultimately strengthens the Rockford community.”

Contact Harris at (815) 964-4966 or visit rockfordlifecenter.org for more details.