Coffey, Carlson Host Back-to-School Giveaway

State Rep. Mike Coffey is continuing efforts to help Springfield-area families with back-to-school costs after donating school supplies to Springfield Public Schools District 186 and preparing for a separate backpack and supply giveaway this week.

Coffey, R-Springfield, delivered school supplies to District 186 on Aug. 11 following a back-to-school supply drive hosted by his office. The drive collected classroom and school essentials that will be distributed to students and families through the district.

Coffey said the effort was intended to help families facing higher costs as they prepare children for the new school year.

“With the cost of just about everything continuing to rise, back-to-school expenses can put a real strain on families,” said Coffey. “I’m extremely grateful to everyone who donated to our supply drive and helped make this effort a success. When our community comes together, we can make a real difference for families and ensure students have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn. I’m proud to deliver these supplies to District 186 and know they will be put to good use.”

Claudia Johnson, District 186 director of Family, Community and School Leadership, thanked Coffey and those who contributed to the supply drive.

“I want to thank Representative Coffey for working with the community to help families save money by providing local schools with essential classroom supplies at no cost,” said Johnson. “We share a common goal of helping to ensure every student starts the school year prepared and ready to succeed. The donations we received will certainly help us reach our goal this year.”

Coffey will also participate in a Back to School Backpack & Supply Giveaway Tuesday, Aug. 18, alongside Springfield Alderman Brad Carlson.

The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the VFW, 2211 Old Jacksonville Road in Springfield. Backpacks and school supplies will be available while supplies last.

The giveaway is being hosted by Americans for Prosperity-Illinois and is promoted as an “inflation relief” event aimed at helping families offset some of the costs associated with getting children ready for school.

The event follows Coffey’s District 186 donation and provides another opportunity for families to receive school supplies as the new school year gets underway.

For more information about Coffey’s office, call 217-782-0053 or email coffey@ilhousegop.org.