Back 2 School Alliance backpack drive is next week

Posted on August 4, 2021
Since 1999, the organization has provided supplies for kids in Bloomington-Normal schools who qualify for free or reduced lunches. (Facebook/Back to School Alliance)

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – The Back 2 School Alliance is getting ready to distribute backpacks and school supplies to students in the Twin-Cities.

Since 1999, the organization has provided supplies for kids in Bloomington-Normal schools who qualify for free or reduced lunches.

33% of kids in Bloomington-Normal schools qualify for free or reduced lunches with 5,500 eligible students in grades K-8 and 1,700 eligible students in grades 9-12.

Taunnia Leffler is a volunteer with the Back 2 School Alliance and a former Unit 5 school board member. She spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

“This is one way we can make sure kids get excited about school, especially with all they’ve been through with COVID and the challenges last year, we really want to kick this off and make it an exciting year and we want them to have the tools they need,” said Leffler.

This year’s backpack pickup will be a drive-thru event on August 11 at State Farm’s corporate south location.

Leffler says they’re still looking for volunteers and donations. More information is available here.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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