Dear Parent or Guardian: This e-mail from Debbie Cook was sent to us today.
If you would like to help please respond.
Thank you.
Regards,
Annmarie Fable, Secretary
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Dear Friends,
I am involved with two organizations that distribute used backpacks - any size, color or condition - to children and adults in need. Midnight Run is a volunteer organization dedicated to finding common ground between the housed and the homeless. Every 4-6 weeks I travel with about a dozen teens and adults into Manhattan to feed, clothe, and provide other items (toiletries, caps, blankets, used but not abused backpacks, paperbacks) to men and women living on the streets. While the food and materials are much-needed, it is the conversation and personal interaction which are most appreciated by our recipients. It is an extraordinary experience - I never return unmoved.
I have also been to the Thorpe House in the Bronx. It is one of two residence facilities sponsored by The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, with a primary goal of providing care for those homeless women and children seeking to develop life skills in preparation for independent living. The Thorpe Family Residence has been described as an "extremely effective grass roots group that provides crucial services to mothers and children at risk."
As we end this school year, I thought it a good time to ask if your school would be willing to help me collect backpacks that students will discard after this school year. If you have families planning to purchase backpacks for September, would you please ask them to donate the old one(s) in whatever condition (we will repair) to be shared with the less fortunate in our midst?
Homeless adults are always looking for backpacks, an easy way to tote their belongings. The children who live at Thorpe House typically range in age from toddler to 10 years of age. They attend school and also need backpacks.
If you are able to participate, we can pick up collected items. Just let me know! Thank you!
Peace,
Debbie
Debbie Cook
Director of Communications and Development
Lutheran Schools Association
171 White Plains Road
Bronxville NY 10708
Ph: 914.395.4787
Fx: 914.395.4789
www.lutheranschoolsassociation.org
