CREST HILL, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, partnered with state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel to host their fifth annual Back to School Fair at Richland Elementary School in Crest Hill, where 428 students and over 200 families gathered to prepare for the upcoming school year.
More than 40 vendors offered educational resources, activities, vouchers, and free giveaways, and every student received a free backpack with classroom essentials while supplies lasted.
“This fair is about making sure students have the support they need heading into a new school year,” Rep. Manley said. “Families are looking for every opportunity to ease the cost of the back-to-school season, and I am glad we could help in a small way.”
Students also received vaccines, participated in a cake-walk, selected free books, and signed up for two weeks of free taekwondo lessons.
“Bringing people together, listening to families, and helping connect them with useful resources are important parts of building strong, lasting relationships between our school and the students we serve,” said Superintendent Dr. Phil Robb. “We are grateful to the vendors, Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, Rep. Natalie Manley, and everyone whose partnership made the event such a success.”
All are welcome to join the next Back to School Fair, which will once again be held at Richland Elementary in August of 2027, specific dates and times forthcoming.
Rep. Natalie Manley
Assistant Majority Leader
(D-Joliet)
98th District
Springfield Office:
300 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-3316
District Office:
1050 W. Romeo Rd.
Suite 101
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 725-2741