Backpack angels helping kids get back to school in Southern Indiana

Clark County

Discussion

August 7, 2009

Service for Peace Southern Indiana to give local groups backpacks for families in need

By TARA HETTINGER The News and Tribune Fri Aug 07, 2009, 01:40 PM EDT

A program that just finished its fifth year in Louisville is getting ready to start in Southern Indiana.

Service for Peace Southern Indiana is hosting the area’s first Backpack Angel Giveaway on Tuesday by providing local agencies that assist families free backpacks filled with school supplies. Those agencies will in turn give those to people who need it the most.

“Some of the tools kids need to be successful ... [are] the backpacks, books, pencils and paper. Some families don’t have the means to get those necessary things kids need to be successful,” said Keith Bertrand, project chair of Service for Peace.

So, the group started collecting new and gently used backpacks as well as donations to buy some to kick off the event on this side of the Ohio River. He said so far they have about 200 backpacks.

On Tuesday, the organization will hand out the backpacks to local agencies, such as the Tri County Health Coalition, local Boys and Girls Clubs, area churches and more at Community Action of Southern Indiana in Jeffersonville.

“This year is particularly critical with the economic condition not being as positive as it has been in the past,” said Fred Mitchell, president/CEO of CASI. “Lower-income families need all the assistance they can get to help their children get the resources they need to be good, productive students.”

He said he likes the idea of allowing the agencies to identify the families who need the free backpacks and school supplies, saying that they would know better who needs the help the most.

However, if someone is not identified by an agency and needs a backpack, Bertrand said people can contact him to get on a list to receive one.

He also said Service for Peace is always needing more donations, either monetary or of school supplies, to keep up with students who move into the area later in the year.

“It’s not just a one-day event. We know the need is greater than just one day,” he said.

Mitchell said if this year’s giveaway goes well and donations continue, he hopes to make this an annual event.

NEED HELP? WANT TO DONATE?

• Those needing a free backpack and school supplies or wanting to make a donation can contact Keith Bertrand with Service for Peace Southern Indiana at 502-714-1075 or kbertrand@serviceforpeace. org. Checks and money orders can be sent to its office at 821 Mount Tabor Road, Suite 200, New Albany, IN 47150.