Children who are placed in foster care often are forced to leave home with little more than the clothes they have on.
Hoping to provide some relief for those children and other kids who are in need, the Department for Community-Based Services and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Bracken, Fleming and Mason Counties are teaming up in hopes of at least partially filling that need.
The items in short supply are as varied as the children in need, according to CASA Director Shanda Hamilton, and range from diapers to pillows and blankets, she said. Other items on the list include baby bottles, sippy cups and even new clothes for ages newborn to school aged.
There is also a great need for kits to fight lice and bedbugs, Hamilton said.
Katie Thompson, who serves Fleming and Robertson counties with the DCBS, said not only children in foster care, but often those who are placed with relatives or families with children are not able to provide some of the needed items. Others taking part in the drive include Mason County DCBS Supervisor Kristin Toy, and Meagan Patton with the Bracken County DCBS office.
The Ledger Independent is also partnering with the agencies and will serve as a collection point for the drive, Publisher Rod Baker. Donated items can be dropped off in a collection box in the front lobby of the newspaper at 120 Limestone Street in downtown Maysville, contact the local DCBS office or the CASA office at 606-563-7431.
The agencies are also working together, along with Comprehend, to organize Buffalo Trace Stand Up Against Child Abuse, set for March 30 at the Tom Browning Boys and Girls Club on Maple Leaf Road in Maysville.
The event will feature booths and activities for kids, along with games and prizes, face painting and sand art. Kids are being asked to dress like their favorite superhero for the event.
“We want the entire Buffalo Trace Region involved,” Hamilton said.
For more information or to take part, contact Hamilton at 606-563-7431.
