When: August 4th (deadline)
Who is invited: Everyone
Where: Fellowship Hall
The Immigration Justice Team (IJT) is collecting backpacks to help migrant youth. It’s easy to donate a backpack! Follow this link bit.ly/3zj82hT to Amazon, where you can order the style we’ve selected, the Bikrod Travel Laptop Backpack, 17.3 inch in black (or blackgrey) for $29.99.
The IJT has a goal to collect 15 backpacks by August 4 so they’re available for the “Blessing of the Backpack” service on August 11. Please drop off your donation at UUCUC in (room location). For more information, or to have your backpack picked up from your home, please contact Marilyn Ryan at marilyn.ryan@gmail.com.
What is the Backpack Project?
Over the past six years, UUCUC has partnered with the Urbana School District to donate nearly 100 backpacks to high-school aged unaccompanied minors who are new to the CU community.
These unaccompanied minors have few resources, if any, other than the clothes they’re wearing when they arrive and possibly a few personal items. They have traveled hundreds of miles under dangerous circumstances and extreme weather conditions to reach the United States. All are detained at the border in harsh conditions for three or more days while they are processed by the U.S. Government. Then, they are transferred to an approved shelter where they undergo removal proceedings and wait to be released to a suitable sponsor.
The backpacks are filled with toiletries, a blanket, towel and washcloth, and a gift card to use to purchase other essential items the student might need, such as socks, underwear, a hoodie, etc. Last year, UUCUC families and YRUU helped fill the backpacks, and added a personal message welcoming these newcomers to the area. All who receive backpacks enroll in school, demonstrating their commitment to become a thriving member of our community.
The Backpack Project is a small, but impactful way to welcome young immigrants into our community. It’s a way that we at UUCUC demonstrate our commitment to creating a multicultural, beloved community.