Ready for school with new backpacks
As a child, how did you prepare to go back to school? You might have gone out shopping with a parent or grandparent for a few new outfits. You might have eked out a few more late weeknights running around the neighborhood playing flashlight tag. And, you likely picked up a new backpack and school supplies to prepare for the new year ahead
For many foster youth, the seemingly simple act of getting a new backpack, notebooks, folders, and pencils can be a struggle. Recognizing this need, Tammie and Bill Delmage donated 150 backpacks this year to Foster Forward, along with 50 children’s backpacks, and 100 tote bags filled with school supplies like notebooks, folders, pencils, and more.
Tammie and Bill have been donating backpacks to Foster Forward for nearly 15 years. That’s 15 years of shopping for the backpacks (which Tammie does a year ahead of time to scoop up the deals, so she’s able to serve more children) and of stuffing them with school supplies before loading them into the car to drop off at the Foster Forward office.
Tammie says that most years her relatives help with filling the backpacks (although this year it was a solo project due to the pandemic). She says this project is done with a lot of love and prayers for the children who receive these gifts to have a wonderful school year.
Each year, foster families are thrilled to hear the news that new backpacks and school supplies are in and that they are welcome to come pick them up. Imagine the joy on the faces of foster children and youth who get to pick out a brand new backpack with all the supplies needed to go back to school.
Thank you, Tammie and Bill, for your generosity. These gifts are cherished by hundreds of families in Rhode Island!
Warmly,
Lisa Guillette
Executive Director
