Springfield businesses, volunteers fill hundreds of backpacks ahead of school year

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — It's not often you hear about barbecue and backpacks, but inside Stadium Smokehouse BBQ, it's not just an assembly line of cooks. There's also an assembly line of helping hands filling hundreds of backpacks with school supplies.

"Everybody is struggling. Everyone. Pennies count — power bills, gas bills or first-day outfits. That's the small little thing. Just a few supplies really helped," said Beth Rees.

Every pencil, notebook and folder packed is one less item families have to buy before the first day of school. From kids to city leaders, it was an all-hands-on-deck effort to leave a lasting impact on students.

"They'll feel prepared. They'll feel confident. It's not just about the backpacks. I think it also lifts children. It's about them, and they are our future," said Lakeshia Purchase.

Beth Rees is known by many as the Lasagna Lady, but today she's focused on pencil pouches instead of pasta sauce.

"It's overwhelming. It's so humbling. I'm the face that does it, but I have an impressive army behind me for everything," said Rees.

That village includes small businesses that help fund the cause. Jade Ackerman said this won't be Smokehouse's last hurrah.

"I think it's important because it shows that you support your community the same way they support you. Without our community, we wouldn't have a business," said Ackerman.

Making sure the school year starts off right — one backpack at a time.