August 4, 2024 – The Decatur Family YMCA hosted their annual Backpack Attack this weekend, giving out 2,000 school supply-filled backpacks to kindergarten through 6th grade students.
The Decatur YMCA Backpack Attack was made possible thanks to contributions from ADM, Ameren Illinois, PNC Bank, and the City of Decatur.
Student who attended the event were able to pick out their preferred color of backpack and parents were able to talk with organizations including Crossing Healthcare, Macon County Health Department and the Empowerment Opportunities Center.
Danielle Diskey, Decatur Family YMCA’s Director of Development & Marketing, said this year they partnered with Wholesale School Supply to purchase the backpacks, which allowed them to select items to include based on lists provided by local schools.
Diskey said the event has grown since its inception over a decade ago. “Each year we see the need increase. Back to school is a stressful time, not just financially, but overall. Our goal is to provide a service that makes that process just a little simpler.”
Volunteers from PNC and ADM’s Decatur complex helped to hand out backpacks to students at the YMCA facility. Jane Rademacher, Inside sales for the Animal Nutrition team at ADM, YMCA Board member, and president of ADM’s Young Professionals said the event lines up with ADM’s priorities. “ADM is a really big supporter of education, particularly within the Decatur community, which is why they chose to sponsor the event,” Rademacher said. This year, ADM increased its donation to purchase backpacks to $15,000 to ensure that local students could start the year right.
“For the ADM Young Professionals, community service is one of our pillars, particularly towards educating youth because we are young professionals….and whether we are young at age or young at heart, the youth of our community matters to us,” Rademacher added.
Backpacks were also available for pickup from Old King’s Orchard Community Center, John’s Hill Magnet School and the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur. Local non-profits Walk It Like We Talk It, Centro for Hispanic & Immigrant Community Opportunities (CHICO), and Junior Welfare Association helped to distribute backpacks at the additional locations.
