MARION – State Representative Dave Severin has announced his 2nd annual Backpacks for Buddies holiday donation drive to benefit children and other minors placed in emergency foster care.
“Backpacks for Buddies collected literally hundreds of filled backpacks for children in need during the first year of the drive. We are so thankful to the people of my district that reached out and lent their support,” Severin said. “Too often, when children are removed from their homes and placed into emergency foster care, they are forced to put their toiletry items, clothing, blankets, toys, and other personal comfort items into black trash bags for transport. When I first heard of this, I could not bear that thought, so my office launched an effort to help out. We are proud to be sponsoring Backpacks for Buddies once again this year.”
Here’s how the public can help. Donate a new backpack (can be themed for boys or girls, or neutral colors). You can also fill the backpack with supplies or bring supplies to fill empty backpacks. Suggested donations include: toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, bar soap, and feminine hygiene products, coloring and activity books, crayons, colored pencils, markers, or any other item that would help a child make a difficult situation a little bit more comfortable.
Rep. Severin will be collecting “Backpacks for Buddies” at his district office in Marion located at 600 Halfway Road throughout the rest of the year and into next. The backpacks will be distributed to DCFS and Southern Illinois child protection agency partners as they are received.
For more information, please visit RepSeverin.com/BackPacksforBuddies or call 618-440-5090.
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