July 20, 2025 –Decatur Family YMCA will host their annual Backpack Attack event on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Two thousand school supply-filled backpacks will be handed out to students entering kindergarten through 6th grade. Students should be present to pick out their backpacks.
Backpacks will be available for pickup from three locations: Decatur Family YMCA, John’s Hill Magnet School (Drive-Up Location), and the Macon County Health Department.
To further support families preparing for the new school year, the Macon County Health Department will also provide school-required immunizations, dental screenings, lead testing, car seat checks, and a community health fair from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. These services are available on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. Additional information is available at maconchd.org.
“Backpack Attack is more than just school supplies—it’s about setting students up for success from day one,” said Danielle Diskey, Director of Development & Marketing at the Decatur Family YMCA. “By partnering with local agencies, we’re able to provide not only backpacks but also the physical and mental support students need to walk into the classroom confident and ready to learn. It’s a community-wide commitment to their success.”
This program is fully funded by donations from local organizations. Decatur Family YMCA would like to extend special thanks to the following sponsors whose generosity makes this event possible: ADM, Ameren Illinois, City of Decatur, PNC Bank, Busey Bank, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Hickory Point Bank, United Equity Credit Union, Decatur IL Police Officers PB &PA Unit #39, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Junior Welfare Association, and The Key Team at Brinkoetter Realtors.
