Woodridge families can pick up free backpacks, school supplies and flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the West Suburban Community Pantry's annual Back-to-School Supply Fair on Friday, Aug. 28, at the Woodridge Public Library, 3 Plaza Dr., according to Shaw Local.

The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Supplies are limited.

Children will receive backpacks and essential classroom items donated by A-Game Public Relations and collected through a supply drive organized by the WSCP Junior Board, the pantry's youth volunteer arm. Items will be distributed first-come, first-served while they last.

Osco Pharmacy will administer free COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines to eligible individuals. Eligibility details have not been announced; families can call 630-948-8132 or visit wscpantry.org for information.

Nancy Chatterjee, WSCP's support services coordinator, said the fair is meant to ensure children have the supplies and health protection they need heading into the school year.

The pantry, based at 6809 Hobson Valley Dr. in Woodridge, serves about 1,000 families each week across DuPage and Will counties and distributed 3.7 million pounds of groceries in fiscal year 2026. CEO Maeven Sipes said in April that the organization had been averaging 4,000 visits per month and was stretched thin as federal SNAP eligibility changes took effect May 1.

"We've been feeling pretty maxed out," Sipes said in April. "Families are already struggling due to the high cost of groceries and the recent spike in gas prices."

The back-to-school fair adds a public-health component to WSCP's broader family programming. In summer 2025, the pantry partnered with the Woodridge Police Department to expand its Cooking and Art Camp from 12 students to 70 campers at Downers Grove South High School, funded by a childcare subsidy grant.

The WSCP Junior Board's next fundraiser is a pickleball tournament on Sept. 22 at Hobson Corner Park in Woodridge.