Contact:
Julie Pearson, Winnebago County Health Department Prevention Specialist 815-720-4379
Nikki Lynch, Community Recreation Manager 815-987-1612
Media Inquiries: Sue Fuller, Winnebago County Health Department Public Information Officer 815-720-4213
Date:
Thursday, August 6, 2015
For Immediate Release
Back to School Youth Rally: Saturday August 8, 2015
On Saturday August 8, 2015 members of the Teen Health Advisory Team (THAT) will host the 16th Annual Back to School
Youth Rally in which 3,000 book bags will be given out to low income area students enrolled in Kindergarten through
12th grades. The THAT Advisory team has organized this annual event to motivate and inspire local students as they
return to school- by providing them with book bags and supplies, in hopes of achieving academic success.
The Back to School Youth Rally will take place on August 8, 2015 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm rain or shine. The Rally will
serve students at four different distribution sites - all on the same day, at the same time. The four Winnebago County
locations are; Blackhawk Boys and Girls Club located at 330 15th Avenue, Rockford, Washington Park Community Center
on 3617 Delaware Street, Rockford, St. Elizabeth's Center on 1536 S. Main Street, Rockford, and Wantz Park on 602 East
Riverside Street, Loves Park. There will be educational activities, games to get kids and families moving, entertainment,
lunch for all students, and of course, near the end of the event the back packs filled with school supplies will be passed
out.
Pre-registration is taking place at the four locations through Wednesday August 5, 2015. Limited registration will be
available the day of the event. The backpacks will be distributed on a first come first served basis with pre-registered
participants given priority. There will be a limited number of back packs at each site.
This event assists families who are financially challenged by giving them much needed school supplies to help start the
school year off with a positive outlook on learning. Many local organizations, individuals, and businesses have come
together each year to donate funding and materials for the event. This year’s sponsors include: Winnebago County
Health Department, Rockford Park District, Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, Illinois Department of Public Health, Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Aurora, Alpine Kiwanis, Wal-Mart, UTC Aerospace Systems, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center,
Members Alliance Credit Union, Heartland Community Church, St. Bridget's Church, Woodward Inc., Blackhawk Bank,
Union Bank, Holcomb Bank, Allen Heating and Cooling, Illinois Title Loans, Walgreens, Diamond Cut Ryders, Family
Video, Earl and Sam Grigsby, and THAT coalition members.
The Coalition includes; the Winnebago County Health Department, Rockford Park District, the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Rockford, Rockford Health System, Rockford Public Schools 205, Winnebago County Juvenile Probation, St. Elizabeth’s
Center, the City of Rockford/RAFT, Woodward Inc., United at Peace Inc., Diamond Cut Ryders, and the Winnebago
County HUGS and ThiNk prevention programs. For more information please contact the Winnebago County Health
Department Prevention Specialist, Julie Pearson at 815-720-4379.
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