Just 4 U Backpacks - For kids entering fostercare

Hi my name is Simon Wellings, I’m 8 years old and I’m from Walcha.

For my birthday this year instead of getting presents I decided to i would like to pack backpacks for kids entering fostercare.

I wanted to do this to make a difference in the lives of kids that are going through a tough time.

My family has been a fostering family since I was 4. We’ve had kids come to our house with only the clothes they are wearing. Most kids usually leave their home quickly when they come into foster care and have their stuff in a rubbish bag. I think that is really sad.

Because of Covid-19, there has been lots of kids come into foster care, as things have been hard at home and it might not be safe for them to stay with their parents.

My goal is to pack 50 backpacks and I would love your help! There is a bunch of stuff that needs to go inside each backpack to make it useful and special for each child. 

I decided to call my idea “Just 4 U Backpacks” so each child knows it’s just for them to keep.

From noticing what kids needed when they came to our house and with a bit of help from my family I put together a list of things that would be great to have inside, its really just the stuff most kids would want for an overnight stay. I am going to pack bags full of only NEW things for boys and girls aged 2-12 years old.

There are TWO ways you can help. By purchasing items yourself and dropping them off, or by donating some money and I can get the items for you!

I have included some costs to give you an idea of how much each item is.

I would love donations of any of these items:
- Luggage tags ($3)
- Soft toys ($5) 
- Facewashers ($2)
- Hair brushes ($8)
- Hair bands ($2)
 - Pyjamas ($15)
- Underwear ($5)
- Socks ($3)
-  Mini torches ($3)
- Books ($10)
- Journals ($5)
- Pens, textas, pencils ($5)
- Sticker/activity books ($5)
- Card games ($5)

If you choose to donate money please let me know if you want me to buy anything in particular in the comments.

I will be collecting donations until August 23rd 2020.

If people want to donate, they can drop off items into the boxes at the Walcha Library and also 206N Pakington St, Walcha.

I plan on having a packing party on my birthday and giving the backpacks to local foster care agencies in our area in early September.

Thank you very much for reading this.

Simon