PRESS RELEASE: 48th WARD OFFICE DISTRIBUTES 600 FREE BACKPACKS TO STUDENTS.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2025
48th WARD OFFICE DISTRIBUTES 600 FREE BACKPACKS TO STUDENTS.
The ward worked together with local schools to supply students with free school supplies for the 2025/2026 school year.
CHICAGO—The 48th ward team has spent the month of August distributing 600 free backpacks stuffed with school supplies to students who need them for the 2025/2026 school year. The ward gave away over 380 of these bags at their annual Back to School Bash on Friday, August 8.
“Something as simple as a sturdy backpack or a fresh set of pencils can help our students feel excited and prepared for the coming school year,” Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth said. “I’m proud to provide those resources to our young people again this year.”
The ward team worked together with local Chicago Public Schools including John T. McCutcheon Elementary, William C. Goudy, George B. Swift Elementary, and Stephen K. Hayt Elementary to distribute the backpacks where they were most needed.
“McCutcheon was instrumental in helping us organize and lead our 2025 Back to School Bash at Buttercup Park,” said 48th Ward Neighborhood Services Director Angel Rubi-Navarijo, “and we couldn’t have done it without the backpack and supply donations from Cradles to Crayons.”
The 48th ward office will be working with other local schools over the next two weeks to distribute the backpacks that students did not pick up at the Back to School Bash.
“We’re so grateful to all the organizations that have come together to support our youth this month,” Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth said, “and we’re sending good luck to all our 48th ward students on another year of learning.”
###
