A southern Illinois lawmaker is launching a program to help children placed in emergency foster care.
State Representative Dave Severin says far too often, these children are removed from their homes in an undignified manner.
"They're already in a crisis situation, and how terrible is it they have to throw their belongings in a garbage bag, So, we were talking back and forth with some people and came up with the idea you know what the answer would be...a backpack. I said, 'you know what, I'm going to start the program.'"
His Backpacks for Buddies drive is asking for donated backpacks filled with things children wouldn't normally have in an emergency situation.
"What we're asking for is for people to give us toothpaste, a toothbrush, maybe a wash cloth, hand towel, or even a small blanket, those types of things."
Severin says he doesn't know how many backpacks will be needed, but he thinks the number is larger than people realize.
Donations will be accepted through December 31 at Severin's district office in Marion at 600 Halfway Road.
