IPSWICH — Chief Paul A. Nikas is pleased to announce the Ipswich Police Department will again be taking part in a backpack drive to benefit a local charity serving children entering foster care.
Throughout March, residents can donate full stuffed backpacks to children in foster care, as well as items on the wish list below, at the Ipswich Police Department, 15 Elm St. Items to include in the backpacks are:
- Two outfits for the warmer seasons
- A pair of pajamas
- Two pairs of socks
- Two pairs of underwear
- A toy or project
- A book
- A stuffed animal
- A blanket
- A toiletry kit consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, deodorant and feminine hygiene products.
Residents can also donate money or Amazon gift cards, or contribute to the Amazon wish list. Those wishing to do so can email alexis.macintyre@kw.com for more information.
The drive supports Fostering Care Inc., a local nonprofit that works to help children entering foster care by providing basic necessities and personal care items.
The police department is one of several locations in town where residents can drop off the backpacks. The other locations are:
- Ipswich Fire Department, 55 Central St.
- Ipswich Family YMCA, 110 County Road.
- Our Lady of Hope Parish, 1 Pineswamp Road.
All Ipswich Public Schools, as well as local preschools including Parker River Community Preschool, The First Class, Ascension Preschool and Small Wonders, are also organizing their own drives to collect backpack items.
The drive will end on March 29th, with a Designer Bag Bingo fundraising event at True North Ale Company, 116 County Road. Visit www.bagbingoipswich.com for more information on tickets and the backpack drive.
Last year, over 170 completely stuffed backpacks were donated to children, along with thousands of additional items to be used for future backpacks.
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