Back to School Alliance

We'd like to thank Zentech and The Credit Union for All for helping us collect so many great backpacks and school supplies this year. See photos below!

Also, not pictured but every bit as supportive: Carle Healthcare Clinic, OSF Family Practices, and All About Hair for their huge help and donations!

*You can still donate at The Hair King and Grove Street Bakery for the next two weeks!

Thank you for your continued support of the Back 2 School Alliance and your care for our students and community. We want to clarify a few things, as we know there may be some misunderstandings.
With hundreds of classrooms across multiple schools — each with its own unique supply list — it's simply not possible to provide customized kits. Instead, we focus on core, high-need items that are useful across grade levels. While not every item may match a student’s exact list, we are confident the supplies can be put to good use either at school or at home.

All donations and funds raised go directly to purchasing school supplies. The backpacks are intentionally selected to ensure durability and long-term use — and we’ve received consistent feedback that families appreciate receiving them.

We know the wait can be long, and we’re always working to improve logistics. But we also know from hundreds of grateful families each year that this event makes a meaningful difference.

We always welcome feedback and ideas, and we’re committed to continuous improvement — but we also want to be clear about the scope, purpose, and impact of this event. Thank you again for being part of the effort to support our students.

✏️We collect school supplies and donations for Back To School Alliance, which gives a backpack full of supplies to local kids who need one! Such an easy way to help your community ✏️

Wow- take your school supplies to Casey's Garden Shop and get a great deal!!