About “Backpacks for Kids”
We are seeking support from our community for our “Backpacks for Kids” program, by way of sponsorship and/or participation in this year’s annual Charity Golf Tournament organized by the El Dorado County Association of REALTORS®, as well as through the donation of related goods, auction and live auction items for the event, funding, or items for the backpacks themselves.
Foster care children often relocate, toting their possessions in plastic garbage bags because they cannot afford to purchase backpacks and suitcases of their own.
“Suitcases for Kids” is a National Association of REALTORS® project that collects and distributes new backpacks, suitcases, and duffel bags for these special children.
The El Dorado County Association of REALTORS® manages its own independent operation we call “Backpacks for Kids”, and buys material and accepts donated items to put together our own age and gender-specific backpacks for children in El Dorado County. These backpacks are distributed by Child Protective Services case workers.
These children often arrive with nothing at all, under trying and traumatic circumstances, so giving them some essential belongings and something personal and unique to keep them in and call their own does not only provide them with “the basics”, but a much needed boost to their self esteem.
In 2008, we put together over 150 backpacks for boys and girls of all ages and delivered them to the wonderful people at Child Protective Services in El Dorado County (Placerville). This year, we hope to do much more, as the need is greater than ever.
While last year’s effort was very “grassroots”, this year we hope to be able to help even more children by providing these basic needs during very trying times of fear and confusion.
We are often asked “what can I do?”, or “what can I give?”, so we have also put together a list of items that we always need and can use to put together backpacks.
Every little bit helps and is much appreciated. We hope that our planned event offers a way for members of the community to have fun while assisting children in need.
This letter and page is available in printer-friendly PDF format if you would like to help spread the word:
We can always use everything on this list, and every piece counts, so we encourage people to gift anything that they are able to. The DeBord Group stores this material at the RE/MAX Gold office at Town Center in El Dorado Hills, so feel free to bring any items by any day of the week – just ask for Kathie, Jason, or Michelle.
- “Girl”-Style Back Pack
- Hair Brush
- Toothbrush, Tooth Paste, Mouth Wash
- Washcloth and Bar Of Soap
- Deodorant (Ladies Brand)
- Lipstick/Chapstick
- Underwear
- P.J.’S
- Blanket
- Jewelry (Age Appropriate)
- Socks or Slipper Booties
- Sweatshirt
- School Supplies (Pens, Notebooks, Pencils, Stationary)
- Color Books, Playing Cards, Appropriate Age Board Games
- Small Coin Purse or Handbag
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Spray
- Small Toys (Age Appropriate) for Young Children
- “Boy”-Style Back Pack
- Toothbrush, Tooth Paste, Mouth Wash
- Washcloth and Bar Of Soap
- Deodorant (Men’s Brand)
- Shampoo, Conditioner
- Socks, Underwear, P.J.’S
- Comb
- Sweatshirt, Casual Shirt
- Games (Age Appropriate)
- School Supplies, Pens, Pencils, Notebooks, Binders, Stationary
- Toys (Small) Age Appropriate
Bring all items to The DeBord Group, c/o RE/MAX Gold, 4359 Town Center Blvd., Suite 311, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Kathie DeBord (916) 716-8886 | Jason DeBord (916) 813-1797 | Michelle DeBord-Ridge (916) 837-5342
Even if you are not participating in the Charity Golf Tournament, you can still help. A small donation or new donated items are of great assistance. Contact Kathie DeBord today at (916) 716-8886.