(KXXV) — Foster Angels of Central Texas served 556 children in Waco last year and a big part of their program is providing backpacks to children in the CPS system.
Back to school can be exciting but it can also be a difficult time, especially for children in foster care.
"We want kids to feel like kids. We don't want them to feel any different. A lot of kids in foster care may be moving. They might have to transition to two or three schools. The simplicity of having their own backpack makes them feel really good. To us that is really important," said Foster Angels Central Texas Executive Director Tania Leskovar-Owens.
The organization gave more than 200 backpacks to Waco-area foster children last year and next week, July 15 - 17, they'll hold a backpack drive to fill the need this year.
"We're real excited. This is our first year to kick off the backpack drive. We've been serving the Waco area for years but this is the first year the community drive will take place. We're partnering with both George's restaurant locations and Tiff's Treats and the drive will run from Monday, July 15 to Wednesday, July 17. We'll be at George's Monday as well from 6 to 10 p.m. and they'll donated 10 percent back with the proceeds from that night," said Leskovar-Owens.
Those who donate backpacks will also receive a $5 Tiff's Treats gift card.
"We are seeing an increase in need of kids in foster care and we need the community's support and we've definitely seen an increase in the Waco area. Just to help that family and make those kiddos feel like this is their home for now. We want to help make them feel comfortable during this time," said Leskovar-Owens.
If you are a foster family in need, it's easy to get connected to foster angels for help.
"We work really closely with the local case workers, the local CASA and child placement agencies. You can reach out to your case worker or case manager and they will know how to get in touch with us," said Leskovar-Owens.
Supplies plus backpacks are needed for all ages. The list is available here and includes:
Elementary School Backpack List
- Pencil Bag
- No. 2 Pencils
- Blue/Black/Red Pens
- Markers
- Crayons
- Wide Ruled Paper
- Spiral Notebooks
- Pocket Folders
- Scissors
- Glue
Middle/High School Backpack:
- Pencil Bag
- No. 2 Pencils
- Blue/Black/Red Pens
- Highlighters
- Colored Pencils
- College Ruled Paper
- Spiral Notebooks
- Pocket Folders
- 3-Ring Binder
- Binder Dividers with Tabs
