PNW Distributes School Supplies to Community

August 10, 2023
A girl gets her face painted at PNW's backpack giveaway.

Children were able to play games and participate in other family-friendly activities, such as face-painting.

Purdue University Northwest distributed backpacks and other school supplies in early August to families in need.

PNW hosted two “Roaring Back to School” community backpack giveaways at its campuses for area families. Approximately 1,300 people benefitted from the events by receiving backpacks, notebooks, folders, writing utensils and more.

Beyond providing high-quality college education, PNW strives to serve its neighboring communities through various outreach initiatives. As a metropolitan university, PNW employees seek ways to make an impact, deliver positive outcomes and support Northwest Indiana.


Slideshow: Connecting with the Community

People lined up to get school supplies at Purdue University Northwest

Community members gather in the 173rd Street parking lot at the main Hammond campus to receive school supplies.

A PNW employee distributes school supplies

Nathan Elizalde, admissions transfer specialist, helps distribute coloring supplies to children at the main Hammond campus.

Besides backpacks, PNW staff members distributed other school supplies, such as writing and coloring utensils, notebooks, folders and more.

School supply distribution at PNW's Westville campus

Community members receive school supplies outside the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex on the branch Westville campus.

School supply distribution at PNW's Westville Campus

Several other community organizations and groups tabled during PNW’s Community Backpack Giveaway at the branch Westville campus.