Decatur Family YMCA To Host Annual Backpack Attack Event Aug. 5

Decatur Family YMCA will host their annual Backpack Attack event on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 2,100 backpacks pre-filled with school supplies, facial tissue, and disinfecting wipes will be handed out to students entering kindergarten through 6th grade. Backpacks will be available for pickup from three locations: Decatur Family YMCA, Old King’s Orchard Community Center, and Johns Hill Magnet School. Decatur Family YMCA is proud to collaborate with local non-profit Walk It Like We Talk It, Centro for Hispanic & Immigrant Community Opportunities (CHICO), TAT Global Enterprises, and Hands of Hearts to provide backpacks at the additional locations.

Dominic Santomassino, CEO for Decatur Family YMCA, is looking forward to the event. “Every child deserves the chance to succeed, and Decatur Family YMCA is committed to making that happen. This year the backpacks are filled with even more school supplies, as well as classroom supplies, like facials tissue and disinfecting wipes.” Santomassimo went on to say, “The Y is all about strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This program encompasses all those aspects of the YMCA.”

Decatur Family YMCA will have onsite vendors including Macon County Health Department, Crossing Healthcare, Empowerment Oppor-tunity Center, Familia Dental, Heritage Behavioral Health Center, PNC Bank, and YMCA School Age Care Programs. The Macon County Health Department will be providing school required immunizations at their facility during the event, from 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

All families with children in need of immunizations are welcome during this time. The YMCA location will be offering shuttle services to and from the Macon County Health Department to accommodate these services from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Event sponsors include ADM, Ameren Illinois and PNC Bank.