Hundreds of backpacks, school supplies donated to immigrant families in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- As the new school year approaches, hundreds of Chicago families received help preparing for classes through a giveaway

The Islamic Circle of North America Relief hosted its annual backpack and school supply giveaway on the city's Northwest Side.

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The event was held at the Caldwell Woods Wellness Center. More than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies, along with food vouchers for families were given for the upcoming school year.

It has crayons and stuff and a notebook," said 10-year-old Joshua Sindlar while showing off his new supplies.

Organizers said the national nonprofit serves immigrant families from a variety of countries, including Bangladesh, Syria and Venezuela. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other local elected officials also participated in the giveaway.

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"Every single year they are doing so much to support a very, very diverse population in clientele, especially now that we're seeing families struggling more to put food on the table and make ends meet," said State Rep. Kevin Olickal, D-Chicago, who represents the 16th District.

Organizers said the program is especially important for newly arrived immigrant and refugee families, helping ease the financial strain associated with purchasing school supplies.

"These families have a difficult choice to make on a routinely basis," said Zuby Ahmed, the National Back-to-School Program Director at ICNA Relief. "Many of the families that we serve here earn less than $20,000 a year. So you can imagine what it's like ...do we afford you know a bus ride versus paying for supplies for our kids."

The giveaway aims to help children return to the classroom with the materials they need while reducing costs for parents.

For many students, the start of the school year also brings excitement about returning to school and reconnecting with classmates.

"When I go to school I like to learn a lot of sports and I'm excited about that," said 10-year-old Sabrullah Nawabi. "One more thing that I'm excited about is seeing my friends again."