GRANITE FALLS — Students at Granite Falls Middle School donated hundreds of items last week to Operation Backpack, a program that provides clean clothing and other essentials for kids removed from homes where police have found drug labs.
"This really touched our hearts," said eighth-grader Lucinda Morin, 14, who organized the donation drive with another eighth-grader, Jesslyn Call, 14.
In less than two weeks, students brought in water bottles, toothbrushes, backpacks, toys and heaps of clothing. The donations are part of the influx of contributions the program has received since it started in December, said Bahbe Leise, who handles children’s services for the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force.
The items are for all kids removed from homes with drugs, but especially for homes where police find meth labs, she said.
Last year, at least 13 children were living in homes with methamphetamine labs, according to the drug task force. When officers took those kids to a safe place, they couldn’t take anything along for fear items might be contaminated by the dangerous chemicals that are used to make the drug.
Lucinda and Jesslyn passed out flyers and made announcements to tell students about the donation drive.
"Students I never thought would donate, did," Jesslyn said. "We got a lot of brand-new stuff."
The two, who are in Cindy Foster’s leadership class, decided to organize the drive after Foster heard about Operation Backpack from Becky Emborg, who works for the district’s PRIDE alternative program.
The homerooms that collected the most items will get a visit from Sheriff Rick Bart. Lucinda and Jesslyn already are planning for their next project — a penny drive to benefit leukemia patents.
Reporter Katherine Schiffner: 425-339-3436 or
What happened: Operation Backpack was started in December to collect supplies to give to kids removed from homes where police find suspected meth labs.
What’s new: The program has received hundreds of donations to fill backpacks, including a pile of items given by students at Granite Falls Middle School.
What’s next: Operation Backpack still needs donations, especially diapers and other items for babies. To donate, call the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office at 425-388-3479.
Do you have an idea for a Herald story you’d like us to update? Call us at 425-339-3428 or e-mail newstips@heraldnet.com.
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