TONIGHT: Southington Rotary Seeks Volunteers For ‘Bags of Hope’ Event For Children Entering Foster Care

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Rotary Club will host a community volunteer event Thursday evening to assemble backpacks for children entering temporary care during crises.

The event, scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday, March 12) in the community room at the Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., will launch the club’s new “Bags of Hope” initiative in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

Organizers said the event is open to the public and encouraged community members to participate in assembling the backpacks.

Volunteers will pack backpacks with personal and comfort items intended for children who are removed from their homes and often arrive in temporary care without belongings

The items were purchased through donations from Rotary club members and community supporters.

According to organizers, the backpacks will be distributed directly by DCF to children entering temporary placements.

Each bag will contain age-appropriate items designed to provide comfort and reassurance during difficult transitions, Rotary officials said.

A pizza dinner will be provided for volunteers during the event.

“Come lend a hand and see firsthand how Rotary makes a positive difference locally and globally. Doing good always feels good,” the Rotary Club of Southington said in a statement.