Back 2 School Alliance still distributing supplies despite COVID-19

Posted on July 21, 2020
There are approximately 5,500 K-8 eligible students and 1,700 eligible students in grades 9-12 that can receive school supplies. (Photo courtesy: Back2School Alliance/Facebook)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – With in-person learning still in limbo due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Back 2 School Alliance is putting backpacks and school supplies in the hands of children who need them most.

Speaking with WJBC’s Marc Strauss, Jan Meadows, Chairwoman of the Back 2 School Alliance said the donation process of 3,000 backpacks and school supplies would look different.

“What we are looking at currently is District 87 is planning to provide school supplies at each building when the students arrive each day. We’ll be delivering our backpacks directly to District 87 for distribution. Unit 5 is going to use the drive-thru that has been very successful so far this spring in getting materials and supplies to students and families using the drive-thru model on August 14 from 1- 5 p.m.”

Before the pandemic, the Back 2 School Alliance would host a Back 2 School Party drive-in. However, Meadows said students will still get the supplies they need.

“It will look different, but our intention is still the same to provide backpacks school supplies for under-resourced families. We expect that number to increase this year with so many people facing unemployment,” Meadows added.

School supplies can be donated at HyVee or at Midwest Food bank.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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