Purdue University Northwest Supports K-12 Students Through School-Supply Giveaways

August 8, 2024
A pile of PNW-branded backpacks

Purdue University Northwest distributed more than 900 backpacks to local K-12 students at its Hammond and Westville campuses.

Purdue University Northwest helped more than 900 local schoolchildren kick off their new academic year by providing them important supplies to support their education journeys.

PNW hosted community backpack and school supply giveaways on Aug. 1 at its Hammond and Westville campuses, benefiting families in need with new backpacks, notebooks, folders, writing utensils and other core school items.

As a metropolitan university, PNW is committed to serving as a community partner that identifies and responds to community members’ needs. Other local vendors, including health care agencies, college and career readiness organizations, childcare referral services and prevention services, were also on site to assist families.

PNW thanks the following sponsors for their generous support for its community backpack and school-supply giveaways:

  • Chick-fil-A, Inc.
  • Craighead, Lange, & Hough P.C.
  • Family and Friends of NWI
  • First Trust Credit Union
  • Fuentes Auto Sales
  • Hammond Education Foundation
  • Hammond Hispanic Community Committee
  • Hammond Optimist Club
  • Hector Cabrera, PNW Admission Specialist
  • Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
  • Janusz Duzinkiewicz, PNW associate professor of History
  • Jason Rakos — State Farm Insurance Agent
  • Kopka Pinkus Dolin
  • Korellis
  • Meijer, Inc.
  • NorthShore Health Centers
  • Superior Engineering, LLC
  • United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1010
  • Vaquero’s Restaurant
  • Westville Chamber of Commerce
Children get their faces painted.

Local children were able to participate in facepainting and other activities during Purdue University Northwest’s community backpack and school supply giveaways.

PNW mascot Leo gives a student a high-five

PNW Pride Athletics mascot Leo greets and poses for photos with families during Purdue University Northwest’s community backpack and school supply giveaway.

People line up in a gym to receive school supplies.

Families file into the H.D. Kesling Gymnasium inside Purdue University Northwest’s James B. Dworkin Student Services & Activities Complex during its community backpack and school supply giveaway.

A pile of PNW branded backpacks

Purdue University Northwest distributed more than 900 backpacks to local K-12 students at its Hammond and Westville campuses.