DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Decatur’s annual “Backpack Attack” will take place Saturday, Aug. 2.

The Decatur Family YMCA said it’ll take place from 9 to 11 a.m., and students can pick up a backpack filled with school supplies from three different locations. This includes:

• Decatur Family YMCA
• John’s Hill Magnet School
• Macon County Health Department

“Backpack Attack is more than just school supplies—it’s about setting students up for success
from day one,” Danielle Diskey, director of development and marketing at the Decatur Family
YMCA, said. “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.”

During the two hour event, 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies will be handed out to students from kindergarten through 6th grade. Organizers said students must be present to pick up their backpacks.

The Macon County Health Department will also be offering vaccinations, dental screenings, and lead testing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their location. Community members will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. The health department is located at 1221 E Condit St. in Decatur. Anyone with additional questions can call the health department at 217-423-6988.

John’s Hill Magnet School, located at 1025 E. Johns Ave. in Decatur, will operate as a drive-up site.