ALTON - The Alton Branch of the NAACP will host the 21st Annual “Back To School/Stay In School” event. The NAACP joins many other community organizations and the Alton School District in organizing the effort.
The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, in Alton. The event provides free backpacks and school supplies to nearly 1,000 Metro East youth in K-12 grade levels. The event also features a variety of booths and a keynote address to the youth reminding them of the importance regarding academics and staying in school. This year’s keynote address will be provided by Joel Sheridan, Vice President and General Manager of Argosy Casino.
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The event will be hosted on the grounds of James Killion Park at Salu on Washington Avenue in Alton, Illinois. In addition to the supplies and program, students will also receive a picnic luncheon. Free bus transportation is also provided to the event. Students must be present to receive school supplies.
Vendors may set up tables at the event for no costs by contacting James Gray or Kristie Baumgartner with the Alton School System.
Donations are still needed to help support the event since it is anticipated that need will be extremely high this year due to the economy. Donations can be mailed to the NAACP office at P.O. Box 1216 - Alton, IL 62002 or picked up by calling James Gray at (618) 304-7655.
Note: This is a rain or shine event. If it rains on Saturday morning, the event will be moved to the Alton Middle School Annex Gym.
