33_20131019142816_1460579_mediumDid you know there are over 5,000 children in Guilford County that suffer from abuse or neglect? The vast number of these incidents resulted in the child being removed from their home and entering the foster care system. The impact on abused and neglected children is profound. The consequences can affect physical, cognitive, psychological and behavioral development for the children, carrying over into adolescence and even adulthood. (1)

We’ve spoken to many teachers who have students in their class who aren’t fed or bathed regularly. These students rely on programs like ours for food, clothing items, and comfort. That is why we created the Comfort BackPack Program because every child deserves a little comfort. We distribute our “Comfort Bags” to local children who are abused and neglected through agencies such as Family Services, Cone Hospital, and Children’s Home Society. Each bag includes comfort items that help a child through a traumatic experience. Some of the items include:

  • Stuffed animal
  • Blanket
  • Book
  • Toy
  • Socks
  • School supplies
  • Hygiene products and more

BackPack Beginnings has given over 1100 Comfort BackPacks in the past year. Would you like to help? DonatePack your own Comfort BackPacks, hold a Supply Drive or Volunteer with us!

(1) Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children’s Bureau. Goldman, J., Salus, M.K., Wolcott, D., Kennedy, K.Y. (2003). http://www.childwelfare.gov 

Written on 10/22/2013 by Blogger Angie Burkey