Dakine of Hood River has donated 10 brand-new backpacks to Backpacks For Kids–Essential Care For Foster Kids, the campaign to collect essential care items for our community’s foster kids.

Initiated by Soroptimist International of Hood River in partnership with Embarq, the Backpacks For Kids campaign will run from July 1 through Sept. 30.

Ten different locations around Hood River County have been designated as collection sites for donated items. Monetary donations may be made to the Backpacks For Kids campaign at Columbia River Bank and Cascade Central Credit Union.

When endangered children are removed from their homes, they must leave all personal possessions behind, adding to the stress of their uncertain circumstances. The items collected by Backpacks For Kids can mean the difference between losing everything and having hope to hold onto.

The community is asked to bring new items to designated drop sites between July 1 and Sept. 30. Items needed include:

n Toiletry items (hair brushes, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, etc.)

Gift cards from local retailers are welcome and are an easy way to make a donation.

Look for the blue barrel at the following drop-off sites in Hood River County:

Hood River Police Department, Columbia River Bank, Cascade Central Credit Union, Les Schwab Tire Center, Wal-Mart, Odell Mid-Valley Market, Mt. Hood Country Store, Cascade Locks City Hall.

There will also be drop-off opportunities at the Hood River Saturday Market and the Families in the Park Concert events. Look for the Soroptimist International table at the Thursday night concerts beginning Aug. 2 through Aug. 30.