PADUCAH — In preparation for back to school season, several Verizon Wireless stores in western Kentucky and southern Illinois areas will give away free backpacks this Sunday as part of its annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway event.
According to a news release from Verizon retailer Round Room LLC, the company hopes to ease the burden on local families purchasing backpacks, an often high-priced back-to-school necessity. Stores will give away one backpack per child present and while supplies last.
The company expects to give away more than $3 million worth of backpacks at this year's event, to be held at more than 1,000 total stores.
Select distribution locations will give away clear backpacks in compliance with local school systems' requirements.
The backpack giveaway will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 28 — organizers recommend arriving at the following giveaway locations early, as the stock of backpacks will go quickly.
- 618 North Commercial Street, Harrisburg, Ill. – Will have clear backpacks.
- 109 North Central Street, Benton, Ill. – Will have clear backpacks.
- 1201 East Fifth Street, Metropolis, Ill.
- 34 Southtowne Shopping Center, Du Quoin, Ill.
- 315 West Fifth Street, Suite 700, Benton, Ky.
- 378B West Fifth Street, Benton, Ky.
- 750 West Fairview Avenue, Eddyville, Ky.
- 1259 Paris Road, Mayfield, Ky.
- 2540 Lone Oak Road Unit A, Paducah, Ky.
