HACAP backpack drive is a success

I want to thank the members of the community for donating to the annual HACAP Back to School Backpack project which we recently completed. I appreciate all the planning and hard work by HACAP staff led by Jeanne Nunley and Kirstin Moes in making this such a successful drive. There are many happy children (and parents) who received full backpacks through your efforts. Support from HACAP Director Jane Drapeaux and assistant Mitch Finn was invaluable.

This year an average backpack would cost $28, which is a huge amount for families in need to provide. We were happy to see that all the items the children received are new and good quality. Staff at UI led by Laura Sinn made a huge donation of the needed items.

Special thanks to the places that hosted the little red school houses: Six Green State Credit Union, Iowa City Senior Center, Hills Bank and Trust on Gilbert St and in Coralville, Waterfront and Coralville Hy Vee, Core Fitness in Iowa City and North Liberty, KCJJ and KXIC, Top Shape Gym. Much thanks to KCJJ and KXIC for their promotion of this event!

Any items leftover are used in the HACAP Head Start program here in Johnson County and some are kept in reserve to replenish the need for other agencies as the school year progresses.

Mary L. Larew

Chair, Homeless Children's Trust

Johnson County