Excited Bailey Elementary students in Lake Station waved red pom poms as two vibrant blue vans from Enchanted Backpack pulled up in front of the school Thursday morning.

The kids cheered as teachers, staff, and an Enchanted Backpack crew began unloading boxes full of school supplies, books, games, clothing and other items for the students.

Enchanted Backpack employee Liam Skinner takes video as the nonprofit organization arrives to deliver school supplies to Bailey Elementary School in Lake Station on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

The tightly-wrapped boxes were taken to the gym, and the items will be distributed in the coming weeks.

It marked the first visit by Bensenville, Illinois-based Enchanted Backpack to Lake Station.

Jackson Chandler, warehouse manager, said the charity serves the Chicago area, and parts of Wisconsin and Northwest Indiana.

The Lavin Family Foundation established the charitable organization more than 50 years ago. The family owned the Alberto Culver Company, a personal care product business.

Bailey Elementary School English teacher Nancy Fuentes carries bags of school supplies as nonprofit organization Enchanted Backpack visits the Lake Station school on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

Enchanted Backpack has already visited schools in Merrillville, Gary, Griffith, Hammond, East Chicago and Michigan City, said Chandler.

He said the only requirement is for 50% of the student body to be eligible for the federal government’s free and reduced lunch program.

Bailey Principal Kimberly Hayes filled out the program application last summer. She learned of Enchanted Backpack from friends who work at the Merrillville Community School Corp.

“So that gave me the inkling that our school, our kids … we have lots of needs we need to fill,” she said. Of Bailey’s enrollment of 265 students, Hayes said 84% meet the federal poverty threshold.

Enchanted Backpack employee Liam Skinner rolls out boxes from his van as the nonprofit organization delivers books, classroom equipment, and other necessary supplies to Bailey Elementary School in Lake Station on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

“We do a lot, you know … providing for our students. There’s always room for more.”

Chandler thanked Hayes and Bailey teachers for their efforts to help their students succeed.

“You guys are on the front lines doing the hard stuff,” he told Hayes. “And I do love the pom poms.”

Superintendent Thomas Cripliver and Assistant Superintendent Christine Pepa helped unload supplies and talked with Chandler.

“It’s a tremendous thing for our students. We’re proud we were selected,” said Cripliver.

Chandler said in addition to school supplies and clothing, Enchanted Backpack also provided 50 to 100 books for the school’s library.

“This is Step 1,” Chandler said. “We hope to be back in a couple years.”

The group may return even sooner.

Hayes plans to apply for a washer and dryer, along with a year’s supply of laundry products and additional clothing.

About five to eight schools receive the laundry machines each year in a program begun by Enchanted Backpack recently after principals and teachers suggested the donation would decrease absenteeism and boost student self-esteem.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/09/enchanted-backpack-wows-lake-station-school/