Silvis is urging residents to Pack the Backpack throughout this month to benefit young people served by the Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center.
The city is collecting new items that can be dropped off throughout October between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Silvis City Hall, 121 11th St. The center’s mission is to reduce trauma to children who are victims of sexual or physical abuse.
Items needed include backpacks, fidget toys, forever stamps, toothbrushes, batteries, juice boxes and individual snacks including granola bars, goldfish crackers and animal crackers, the city said. Also being sought are overnight stay items including underwear and socks.
Gift cards also are needed in $10 increments. According to the event flyer, McDonald’s, Subway and Hungry Hobo cards “are best for kids.”
The advocacy center staff interviews children under the age of 18 for law enforcement and Department of Children and Family Services investigations. Prior to the children’s advocacy center’s existence, child victims were interviewed multiple times. Today, RICCAC conducts one interview with involved agencies observing the interview on a monitor, thus eliminating multiple interviews which can be traumatic.
The Children’s Advocacy Center coordinates and tracks the investigation, medical treatment and counseling referrals, and prosecution to protect the best interest of the child victims and their families. RICCA is a not-for-profit organization and does not charge for its services.
For more information, visit its website, www.riccac.org.
