Well-we're up to 600 dollars and 50 backpacks...so this is moving. UPS is sponsoring our mailing so no cost and the kids are really excited about the letter writing...phew...d
Right now we're contacting UPS and FEDEX to see if they will donate. Even if they don't however, we are hoping that with backpacks which are small and light, we can get many many to a box and even if we have to pick up shipping, I suspect we'll be okay....d
I love this idea. Funny, we are looking to dump our old backpacks and an organization called Travelers aid(crossroads) is collecting them
for homeless people. But, I like your idea. How are you shipping? Who pays for that of it?
I would love more info on this.
Just wanted to share a program we're doing in case folks were looking for ideas. We've located a school in LA that is about 300 strong and absorbing next week 100 children survivors into their program. They would be one of those "forgotten" schools that don't get on TV so we've decided to start a Backpack Plus donation. The concept is that parents and community members looking to help will donate a new backpack for us to send down there and if they are able to, put a donation into the backpack to allow us to set up a credit line at the local Walmart. I've contacted the principal and she will then be able to shop against that credit line for the supplies the children need to fill the backpacks. We are looking for a sponsor now for our shipping but even if we have to pay for it ourselves,t he backpacks are light and can be packed many to a box. Also the storage issues are relatively compact as well. We will culminate with a Saturday Pack and Ship where our children can come in with any late donations, help pack the boxes and then write notes and cards of encouragement. The idea being to keep this at a level the children can understand as well as doing some good for the school without overwhelming them with uneeded items. Since the principal can get what they need, there should be little to no waste. I can see this as a long term sponsorship of the school.
Anyway-if you are interested in doing something similar, as around to friends and family with folks in the areas that are absorbing these children and then contact the school to see how you can help. That is what we did and I really see some good coming out of this...
"Little hands helping little hearts start to heal"...there's real learning in that lesson.
