Rep. Dave Severin | Facebook
Rep. Dave Severin | Facebook
State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Marion) announced the second Backpacks for Buddies drive, which is a holiday donation drive that collects donated, new backpacks filled with necessities for children in the foster care system.
"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.
For youths in the emergency foster care system, Backpacks for Buddies will gather new backpacks filled with personal care items and other necessities. Items can be dropped off at Severin's office, 600 Halfway Road, suite 103, in Marion, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., by appointment. Call 618-440-5090 to arrange a drop-off.
"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," Severin said.
Suggested items include toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, feminine products, new underwear, diapers, and socks, hats, or gloves (all new items only, please.)
"We are proud to be sponsoring Backpacks for Buddies once again this year," Severin said.
Collection of these items will continue into 2022 and will be distributed to DCFS and Southern Illinois child protection agency partners as they are received.
Individuals can also donate goods such as colored pencils, crayons, coloring and activity books, markers, or any such item that can make a child feel happy and secure in troubled and stressful times.
For more information, please visit RepSeverin.com/BackPacksforBuddies
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