Archive 2008 - 2019

Backpack Donations

by Deb Sweet
8/12/2013



As summer winds down and the air begins to feel a bit more temperate, many of our thoughts turn to the new school year.  Inevitably, the to-do-list that follows will keep at least a few of us up at night.  In the flurry of schedules, teams, back-to-school supplies and new wardrobes, I often wonder how we make it through the months of August and September with our sanity, let alone a dollar in our pocket.  

Hundreds of families in our community have the same to-do-lists, but do not have the resources to fulfill them.  The Department of Children and Families is charged with implementing support to safely stabilize and preserve families in need.  For many years DCF, has run a backpack and school supply fundraiser to help relieve some of the burden preparing for the beginning of a school year can bring to these families.  

As the mother of five children and a foster and adoptive parent, I strive to raise awareness about the children and families DCF supports.  Involving my community in fundraisers such as this not only gets the work done, but it provides a tangible way for people to help arm the children we service with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.  Ultimately, these donations can help remove boundaries and foster a sense of entitlement to the education all of the children in our community are receiving.

If you are able to help, please consider donating a new gender neutral backpack by Friday, August 16.  Below are a list of suggested donations to fill the backpacks with or to be given separately.  As an added incentive, The Holliston Family Pharmacy on Washington Street has offered to match any donation if prescriptions for your family are switched over to their pharmacy.



> Big Kid (Middle School/High School):
> ~new backpack (gender neutral color)
> ~#2 pencils
> ~pens
> ~3-5 folders
> ~3 ring binder
> ~notebook
> ~lined filler paper

> Little Kid (Elementary School):
> ~new backpack (gender neutral color)
> ~markers
> ~crayons
> ~colored pencils
> ~scissors
> ~folder
> ~glue sticks

Donations can be dropped off to the following Holliston businesses:
The Holliston Family Pharmacy
The Prana Center
The Grapevine

I am so grateful for the generosity of the families and businesses in our community.  Please contact me with any questions about how to help with this project or how to continue to support a child in need through foster care and adoption.

Deborah Sweet
Foster Parent Ambassador
dmsweet@gmail.com