SAVANNAH, GA (July 31, 2015): The Savannah Impact Program’s challenge to “Stuff the Container” prompted Savannah College of Art and Design students, faculty and staff to intervene by donating 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for local children in need, as a part of National Night Out.
Accompanied by project supporters and volunteers, Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Chief Joseph H. Lumpkin will receive the donation from SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace on Monday, Aug. 3 at 11:15 a.m. at the SIP office, located at 1700 Drayton Street.
On July 1, a storage container was placed outside of SIP’s office with a literal goal of stuffing the container with donated back-to-school supplies, uniforms, toiletries and food items to be distributed to families in need. Items will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis during the Aug. 4 National Night Out event at 6 p.m.
Donations of school supplies has been a recurring SIP project since 2011. In 2015, however, the amount of donations declined, prompting SIP to reach out to the public for help. This resulted in an outpouring of support from SCAD, local business, faith-based groups, government agencies and private citizens, supplementing donations already received from SIP and SCMPD employees.
“It wasn’t looking good. Certain members of the community depend on these donations,” said Lt. Ramona Famble, Interim Director of SIP. “But this week, donations began to pour in non-stop from every direction. When SCAD contacted us, we were beyond grateful that an institution of that magnitude supports this project and acknowledges its impact in the community. We absolutely appreciate everyone’s willingness to help SIP help our citizens.”
SIP also is collecting non-perishable food and personal hygiene products to donate to the homeless through the Social Apostolate food bank. “
SIP staff will continue accepting donations at its office, police headquarters or any SCMPD precinct from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday. Donations also will be received during National Night Out festivities.
SIP is a specialized unit within the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, primarily focusing on high risk and at risk youth and adults. The SIP collaborative is comprised of sworn and civilian police personnel as well as numerous community supervision agencies to include the Georgia Department of Corrections, Board of Pardons and Parole, Chatham County Juvenile Court and the Department of Juvenile Justice.
For more information, call SIP at (912) 651-4350 ext. 2950.
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