Community Corner

'Book Bag Benevolence' Helps Children in Foster Care, Community Support Needed

The Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children Services typically hands out more than 600 filled book bags each year.

Summer vacation may be here, but one Gwinnett County group has already started its annual "Book Bag Benevolence" program for the upcoming school year.

It is a program of the Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). The book bags and school supplies collected from the community go to benefit children in state custody, including those in foster care.

-- See below for ways you, your community or group can participate. --

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Kim Crawford, the DFCS coordinator of the program, said they are always in need of such items, and typically distribute more than 600 filled back packs to children in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The bags and supplies come from all over Gwinnett County, including individuals and groups, including: Gwinnett Medical Center, Infiniti of Gwinnett and the Sugarloaf Country Club. One of the program's biggest supporters each year is Cannon United Methodist Church in Snellville.

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Crawford said: "We are blessed to be in a community that cares about the families that we serve and want to ensure that all children are able to return to school with the tools that they need to be successful."

What items are most needed?

Gwinnett County DFCS usually runs out of: pencil pouches, pencil sharpeners with shavings catcher, pocket folders with brads, composition books, two-inch and three-ring binders, dry erase markers, tabbed dividers, USB flash drives,  scientific calculators, notebook paper (wide and college-ruled), graph paper and rulers rulers. See the attached list for all school supplies needed for Gwinnett County students.

How can the community help?

Individuals, families or other groups may collect donated book bags filled with school supplies. Label each bag with the school grade and gender of the intended recipient.

When should groups deliver bags?

Community groups should take all donated materials to the Georgia National Guard Armory, located at 261 East Crogan Street in Lawrenceville. Deliver times and dates are: 9na.m. - 4 p.m. on July 15-16.

Can't shop or have more questions?

Contact Kim Crawford at 770-339-2370 or khcrawford@dhr.state.ga.us for questions, including how to send monetary donations.


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