August 21, 2025
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) assisted approximately 700 school-age students by distributing school supply essentials to them ahead of their new school year.
PNW hosted “Roaring Back to School” school-supply giveaways at its Hammond and Westville campuses in early August, helping area families in need and supporting their children’s education journeys. Families were able to collect a range of school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, folders, writing utensils, arts and crafts supplies and more.
“As a higher education institution, we understand and accept the responsibility to serve our surrounding community and support the K-12 educational pipeline,” said Christina Maldonado, director of Admissions for Parents, Community and Early Education. “This event helps us provide families with back to school essentials and resources while also contributing to the students’ excitement for a new school year.”
Approximately 1,700 people attended the 2025 events. This marks the third consecutive year PNW has hosted school supply giveaways. The university has assisted over 3,000 people since 2023.
PNW thanks the following sponsors for their generous support of the “Roaring Back to School” school-supply giveaway events:
- Adelante
- First Farmers Bank and Trust of La Porte
- Hammond Education Foundation
- Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana
- Hammond Optimist Club
- Jason Moon of Realty Group
- Jason Rakos of State Farm
- Korellis Roofing
- La Porte Insurance Agency
- Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation
- NorthShore Health
- United Steelworkers Local 1010
- Westville Fire Department
You can also read more about the events as covered by the Times of Northwest Indiana newspaper.
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NWI Times: PNW distributes free school supplies at “roaring” giveaways
