SIU Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 193 helped get local kids ready to go back to school with their second-annual "Cops and Kids" backpack giveaway Aug. 4.
The event was held at the Evergreen Terrace Family Housing complex located on the Carbondale campus.
In the end, about 100 backpacks filled with school supplies were given away at the event. The backpacks were filled with pencils, pens, folders, rulers, notebooks and more. Every child from grades pre-K through 12th received a backpack.
"That's what it's all about," said lodge treasurer Shawn Tuthill. "It's putting a smile on the kids' faces and giving back to the community."
The event was organized by Officer Heather Pendley, who solicited donations and organized the school supply lists. Supplies and monetary donations were received by people throughout the community along with businesses including but not limited to SIU Credit Union, the Bank of Carbondale and Spitting Image Boutique.
In addition to the backpacks, there were donuts donated by Dunkin' Donuts and free haircuts provided by Sports Clips. The Saluki women's soccer team also volunteered their time at the event.
