Decatur YMCA provides 2000 free school supply-stuffed backpacks

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Decatur Family YMCA hosted their annual Backpack Attack event on Saturday, providing 2000 free backpacks filled with school supplies.

Students entering kindergarten through 6th grade were able to grab a backpack in the color of their choosing, and also attend a resource fair or get necessary tests or immunizations for the school year.

"This program is designed to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with back to school, but to also help make sure that every student is ready on the first day of school," said Decatur Family YMCA Director of Development and Marketing Danielle Diskey.

"It is so meaningful for them to have exactly what they need, and not have to worry about: 'Do they have the right markers?' 'Are they going to be ready to do the project on the first day?' It's just really helpful for them to know that they're going to show up and they're going to be ready on day one."

The Backpack Attack program is funded entirely by donations from the community.