MT. VERNON, IL — Linola Spann with the help of local churches and community businesses have set out to collect 1,000 backpacks for area students this school year. The fifth year for the Backpack Block Party might be the biggest yet as the event moves to a new home in Veterans Park this Saturday at 11am.

Spann, who used to host the event at her home, says she had a different goal in mind when she first started this whole thing.

Central Christian Church in Mt. Vernon has come along as a partner with Spann. Connections Pastor Jared LeCrone says the church just wants to help in any way they can.

Community First Bank of The Heartland donated school supplies for the backpacks that are collected and will be provided free of charge. You can find more information about Saturday’s Backpack Block Party in Mt. Vernon via their Facebook event page.