BCF to provide 2,700+ backpacks to students across Berrien County

Berrien Community Foundation is helping more than 2,700 Berrien County students kick off the school year with a new backpack and school supplies through its annual Backpacks For Good program. Through four community backpack events, students will head back to class ready to learn while families connect with local resources and support.

A boy holding up two peace signs."Between sports gear, school supplies and the mystery of how kids grow two sizes every summer, back-to-school costs can add up fast," said BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey. "By providing backpacks full of school supplies, we can help families focus less on the price tag and more on helping their child walk into the classroom confident, prepared and ready for a great year.”

In addition to the backpacks and school supplies, there will be farm-fresh vegetables and other food items available, as well as representatives from community organizations.
Additional events will serve:

  • Eau Claire Public Schools students: Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. in the Eau Claire Middle School/High School parking lot. This event is open to students attending Eau Claire Public Schools, regardless of the ZIP Code in which they live. 
  • Students living within the 49022 ZIP Code: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor. This event is open to students who live in the 49022 ZIP Code, regardless of which school they attend. 
  • Brandywine and Niles schools students: Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Niles High School parking lot. This event is open to students attending Brandywine Community Schools or Niles Community Schools, regardless of the ZIP Code in which they live.
  • Coloma, Watervliet and Hagar #6 students:  Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4-6 PM at Coloma Junior High School.  This event is open to students attending Coloma, Watervliet and Hagar #6 schools, regardless of the ZIP Code in which they live.

No registration is required. 
   
For more information or to donate, visit www.berriencommunity.org/BackpacksForGood.