Kiwanis backpack effort helps children

The Western News

Across Montana each day a number of children face the reality of being pulled from their homes because of a crisis situation.  

Kiwanis members make a difference in the lives of these children. Kootenai Kiwanis Libby has chosen this as one of its ongoing service projects. Kiwanis give away in excess of 50 backpacks each year.

The focus of the program is to provide basic necessities for a child who would otherwise enter a foster-care situation with virtually nothing, except possibly but not necessarily the clothing on their backs.  

Kiwanis members have the opportunity to provide this child something to cling to, taking the opportunity to make a difference, one child and one community at a time.

The opportunity Kiwanis have is to provide the basic necessities to the children to protect their dignity during the crisis transfer period from their own home into foster care, specifically the first day.  

The personal possessions contribute significantly to a child’s feelings of self-worth and dignity.

Included in the backpacks are soap, shampoo, books, notebooks and pens, coloring books and crayons, a fuzzy new blanket, (in the winter, mittens and a hat) and a teddy bear to use for comfort. If clothing is needed that will also be added  in the backpack.

If you wish to donate to this wonderful project, please contact Kootenai Kiwanis for information.

“Serving the Children of the World”.