This year is the 6th Annual Backpack Project . In the past, we have been fortunate to raise money and pack backpacks at a volunteer event. Last year we were able to pack the backpacks with the help of Kiwanis of Lafayette and get them in the hands of foster children in need. We were also approached by the local homeless shelter to provide 50 additional backpacks to those children as well. We are so blessed to have a wonderful community who come together to help children in need.

This year we will be having our volunteer event at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette. They have graciously allowed us to utilize their ballroom to host this important event. Foster children still need our help and we will deliver! The schools will be starting back up in August and families are still struggling.

As you may remember, when a child is removed from their home, they are placed in a foster home within 2-4hrs. As mandated by DCFS, Dept of Child and Family Services, the child must return to school within 3 days of removal. Usually this is a different school based on the location of the foster family. When a child enters care they may only have the clothes on their backs. The foster family is responsible for purchasing everything they will need for school. Many of these children are removed in the middle of the school year and need to purchase all new school supplies to attend the new school.

Again this year, we are partnering with Kiwanis of Lafayette, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. CASA of SoLA will be designated as the recipient of the backpacks for the foster children in the 15th Judicial Court. CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, is an organization that helps advocate for abused and neglected children. CASA of SoLA covers the 15^th Judicial court including Lafayette, Acadia and Vermillion parishes. On average, CASA of SoLA represents approximately 200 children per year. They will work with DCFS to deliver backpacks to the foster children in Acadiana.

We are requesting monetary donations for the purchase of the backpacks and then we will fill the backpacks with community donated supplies. (All monetary donations are tax deductible.)

You can donate online at  http://www.lafayettekiwanis.org/donations/