Even steady rain couldn’t stop the Portage, Indiana, community from coming together. The event transitioned to a drive-thru-style giveaway, allowing families to receive backpacks and school supplies while local police officers, firefighters, volunteers, and the Lerner & Rowe team continued supporting the community despite the weather.
The Portage Police Department and Fire Department were among those who helped make the event a success. One special four-legged helper also made an appearance: Tilly, the police department’s therapy dog, brought some extra cheer to a wet but memorable day.
The community’s support also began before the giveaway. On Friday, approximately 70 volunteers from community partners, Chamber members, and the Valparaiso High School football team gathered for a community packing day. Working together, the volunteers packed all 1,000 backpacks in less than an hour, demonstrating the incredible spirit of teamwork and generosity that helped make the giveaway possible.
Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys and Lerner & Rowe Gives Back are grateful to everyone who helped make the final stop on our 2026 Backpack Giveaway Tour a success, from the volunteers who packed backpacks to the first responders, community partners, and families who participated. Together, the community helped local students start the school year prepared and ready to learn, proving that even a rainy day couldn’t dampen the spirit of giving.
Photos from Lerner and Rowe’s Portage Backpack Giveaway:
