Jamestown Family Gives Back With Foster Care Backpack Drive


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JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown family is giving back to children in need as part of a backpack giveaway helping those entering the foster care system.

Jamestown Mother Danielle Stone says this is a personal mission for her after she adopted four children





“When we went to pickup our children, our boys only had the clothing on their back, they did not have anything with them,” explained Stone. “Our two girls, they came with a trash bag that has a couple things they saved from school, nothing of personal value.”

While the family creates bags for all age group, this year Stone is focusing on bags for teens. Each bag must have an outfit, pajamas, socks, underwear and toiletries.

“Toothbrush, toothpaste, maybe a comb, deodorant, lotion,” said Stone. “For the girls, maybe some hair ties, just all those thinks that you don’t think of when you were ripped from your home, that you might need on that first night away.”





















In addition to the basic necessities, Stone says it is important to be creative and find something the kids would enjoy.

“I like to try and make sure we include a notebook, a pencil, journaling is extremely important for the child, just an outlet for them,” continued Stone.

So far, 34 backpacks have been put together with Stone hoping to donate 100 fully made bags by the months end to Foster Erie with donations coming from around the region.

“The Amazon wish list allowed people to send items directly to our home,” said Stone. “Where myself, my husband and our children are able to put the bags together, it has made it a lot easier.”









Going forward, Stone hopes to connect not just with regional charities, but local groups too.

“Foster Erie is super important to us, we have mentor families that we are super close with their, but would also like to provide backpacks for children here in Jamestown and Chautauqua County,” explained Stone.

Those looking to help Stone and her family complete their mission can shop online right now through the end of November on their Amazon wish list.

 

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