Chief Paul Nikas is pleased to share that the Ipswich Police Department will once again collect backpacks and other essentials to support a local charity serving children entering foster care.
From April 27 to May 22, the Department will be collecting donations for Fostering Care Inc., which distributes basic necessities and personal care items for children transitioning into foster care. Residents are encouraged to donate fully stuffed backpacks (with items ranging from clothes to toiletries, and a stuffed animal ortoy).
Those who wish to participate in the drive can do so by dropping off backpacks at the Ipswich Police Department, 15 Elm St.
Residents can also donate money or Amazon gift cards, or contribute to items on an Amazon wish list through May 15.
Donations also may be dropped off at the following locations:
- Ipswich Fire Department, 55 Central St.
- Winthrop Elementary School, 65 Central St.
- Paul F. Doyon Memorial School, 216 Linebrook Road
- Ipswich Middle School, 130 High St.
- Ipswich High School, 134 High St.
- Ipswich Family YMCA, 110 County Road
- Keller Williams, 500 Cummings Center, Beverly
- many Ipswich preschools
The drive will culminate with a backpack stuffing event on Sunday, May 22, from 2-5 p.m. at Ipswich Masonic Lodge, 70 Topsfield Road. The event will include games, raffles, food from the Beefie Boys food truck, ice cream from Cool Cow, beverages from True North Ale, and a musical performance by Bottles & Cans.
“Entering foster care can be an extremely difficult experience. We are proud as a department to partner with Fostering Care to help ease a child’s transition, and ask the community to support us in this effort,” Chief Nikas said.
To RSVP to the event, and see more details about needed items, click here.