This is a rare instance in which I’m publishing an article that is off-topic from the subject of the Original Prop Blog, but feel that it gives those who might be interested an opportunity to help. One of the charitable causes that I am personally involved with is called “Backpacks for Kids”, and we are in the midst of a fund raising initiative to support our efforts to help children who are processed through Child Protective Services.
“Backpacks for Kids” is not a formal organization, but an initiative managed by the El Dorado County Association of REALTORS® (“EDCAR”) in which we solicit donations of funds and related goods, and also sponsor and manage fundraisers, all in an effort to create backpacks filled with items for children in our county who are brought to Child Protective Services for a variety of unfortunate circumstances.
I am co-chair of our Association’s annual charity golf tournament this year, and all net proceeds from this event will go to this cause, so we are very excited about that. For the past year, we have been raising funds and collecting goods merely through word of mouth and the good will of those who have been gracious enough to help with their time and donations.
We buy material and accept donated items to put together our own age and gender-specific backpacks for children in El Dorado County. These backpacks are distributed by Child Protective Services case workers. These children often arrive with nothing at all, under trying and traumatic circumstances, so giving them some essential belongings and something personal and unique to keep them in and call their own does not only provide them with “the basics”, but a much needed boost to their self esteem.
The backpacks are filled with a wide variety of items, from the bare necessities of toiletries and related goods to blankets and pajamas for smaller children as well as full sets of school supplies, toys, games, books, and more. We often find ourselves trying to put in more items than will actually fit, as we attempt to give each child as much as we can.
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of delivering approximately 70 backpacks to Child Protective Services, and I recorded a little bit of the event on video so that people can get an idea of the impact this charitable cause has on the lives of children who are victims of circumstances beyond their control.
If anyone reading this would like to help, please get in touch with me.
Every little bit counts, and we have become expert “shoppers” for needed items in order to maximize every penny of the money we raise, from working with retailers to learn of their seasonal close-outs of needed items to leveraging whatever opportunity that we may learn of to obtain really great items at great prices (we recently found brand new boxes of Crayola Crayons for $0.12 a box!). Many retailers and businesses also are very generous with gifting various items that are of great use to our cause.
If you would like to donate a few dollars or directly provide any of the needed items on our list, please e-mail or phone me.
You can learn more at: www.edcar4kids.com
Jason DeBord