Gwinnett Daily Post

From Staff Reports

LAWRENCEVILLE - The Gwinnett Department of Family and Children Services is asking the community to provide the county's foster children and those in protective services with their own new book bags before school starts Aug. 8.

These children especially need the validation of these necessary school items to give them a positive outlook on the new year and a sense of "fitting in" with their peers, according to DFCS officials. Caseloads have increased greatly so more bags are needed than in years past.

DFCS is requesting that these book bags be new, attractive, sturdy and generously filled to accommodate primarily the middle elementary age grade level to high school (grades 3 through 12). Supply suggestions include three ring binders, theme covers, spiral notebooks, filler paper, pens and pencils, small calculators and any office supplies. Book bags for the younger children who enjoy the currently popular theme bags also are needed. Crayons, wide-ruled paper, glue sticks, pencils and markers and insulated lunch bags are some of the items that the first and second graders would like.

A listing of supplies suggested/required by Gwinnett County schools can be obtained by contacting Deborah Barinowski, volunteer resource coordinator, at 678-518-5758.

Those wishing to participate are asked to deliver their donations between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday to the Georgia National Guard Armory, 261 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Volunteers will be manning the Armory for the remainder of the week distributing the donated bags to the case managers. Those who cannot deliver during these times should contact Barinowski to schedule a later drop-off date.

DFCS, whose current location is One Justice Square, 446 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville, Ga. 30045, also is accepting monetary donations and greatly appreciates any assistance the community can give.