SAVANNAH, GA (July 24, 2015): With scarce donations thus far and only eight days remaining of the Savannah Impact Program’s “Stuff the Container” school supplies collection campaign, SIP asks the public’s support in donating items to help meet their goal.
On July 1, a Mini Storage container was placed outside of SIP’s office at 33rd and Drayton streets. By July 31, SIP’s objective, with support of all Metro employees and the public, is to literally “Stuff the Container” with donated back-to-school supplies, uniforms and food items to be distributed to families in need during the Aug. 4 National Night Out event – one of the largest in the state. This year, however, the amount of donations has declined, therefore, limiting the reach and effectiveness of this outreach effort.
“The start of school can be a challenging time for families that must provide their children with supplies and uniforms…items that can really tax the budget,” said Lt. Ramona Famble, Interim Director of SIP. “We’d like to continue providing as many kids as we can with as many items as possible to help them through these times. That’s why we’re reaching out to the public for help.”
With support of local business sponsors, National Night Out will feature food, fun and games. It will begin at 6 p.m. School supplies donations will be provided to guests on a first-come-first-serve basis.
“We are asking people to bring school supplies, from back packs, to crayons, pencils and pens, paper, notebooks and the normal things students will need,” Famble said. “We know that kids grow quickly in the school years and many of them have outgrown uniforms. We want families to provide gently worn uniforms that can be provided to other students. Those items can be a huge benefit to a family’s budget. That’s why these donations are so important.”
SIP also plans to provide bags with donated food items and personal hygiene supplies to the homeless.
Donations can be dropped off at the SIP office, police headquarters or any SCMPD precinct from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays. SIP staff also will receive donated items during National Night Out.
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. It is located at 1700 Drayton Street.
For more information, call SIP at (912) 651-4350 ext. 2950.
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