Southington Rotary Making 'Bags of Hope' For Foster Children

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Rotary Club is inviting residents to participate in its second "Bags of Hope" service project, an effort aimed at supporting children entering Connecticut's foster care system.

The event will take place Thursday, June 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Southington Public Library, 255 Main St.

Volunteers will work together to assemble care packages containing toiletries, snacks and comfort items such as stuffed animals, coloring books, activity books and age-appropriate inspirational books.

The bags are intended for children who have been removed from their homes because of safety concerns and often arrive in foster care with few personal belongings.

According to organizers, the project is designed to provide children facing difficult circumstances with essential items and a sense of support during a period of uncertainty.

The Rotary Club cited statewide foster care statistics showing that approximately 4,000 children are in Connecticut's foster care system at any given time, with about 20 new foster placements needed each day.

Organizers are encouraging community members to participate in the hands-on service project.

No donations are being requested.

"We are not looking for donations, just your two hands and your heart," the Rotary Club said in its event announcement.

Pizza will be provided for volunteers because the event is being held during dinnertime.

The Bags of Hope initiative is part of the Rotary Club of Southington's ongoing community service efforts and is open to residents interested in helping local children and families.

For more information on the Southington Rotary Club's 'Bags of Hope' program, click on this link.