5,000 free backpacks to be distributed at ‘Pencils in the Park’ Aug. 25

Online Staff Report

Five thousand backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed from Life Center, 921 W. State St., Rockford, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25, as part of the fourth annual “Pencils in the Park” event.

Rockford Life Center, in collaboration with Rockford Ald. Ann Thompson-Kelly, D-7, City of Rockford and Comcast are the organizers of this annual community-driven project.

Angela Harris, event coordinator, explained Aug. 24: “Parents struggling to provide the essentials necessary for children to return to school are encouraged to attend tomorrow’s event.

Families who attend will receive backpacks and supplies as well as have access to free dental exams, haircuts, hair braiding, nail painting, food, games, prizes and more.

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) will issue a proclamation at the event at 11 a.m.

“Life Center began collecting backpacks and school supplies through the well-known program Tools for School eight years ago,” Harris said. “The program has now grown to a massive community-driven project 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 impact-filled event,” Harris continued. “Providing students with the tools necessary to learn fundamentally strengthens their path towards success, as well as the Rockford community.”

Posted Aug. 24, 2012