Pictured left to right are: Rasheena Wilson, Junior League of Orange County Backpack Committee; Kim Regensdorfer, Senior Caseworker Orange County Department of Social Services; and Trish Chelsen, JLOC President-elect and Backpack Chairwoman. Provided photo.
For more than a decade, the Junior League of Orange County, Inc. (JLOC) has donated backpacks to the Department of Social Services to be distributed to elementary, middle and high school students “at risk” of going into the foster care system to ensure that they start the school year with the supplies they need to be successful in their studies.
“Even in the midst of a pandemic, children need school supplies, especially those ‘at risk’ of going into foster care,” said Trish Chelsen, Junior League President-Elect and Backpack Project Chairwoman. “Our community has been so generous helping us surpass our goal!”
“Traditionally this project has been accomplished with supplies donated as well as in kind monetary donations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Junior League utilized social media to seek monetary donations to buy supplies in bulk”, stated Rachel Losee, JLOC President. “Our goal was to complete 50 backpacks in two weeks. Due to the outpouring of community support, we were able to complete and deliver 120 backpacks.”
“The Junior League out did themselves this year as they donated over twice the amount of backpacks expected,”said Kim Regensdorfer Senior Caseworker Orange County Department of Social Services. “For that we are truly grateful.”