FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Backpacks of Hope, a local organization dedicated to helping people in need by donating vital personal-care items in backpacks, is celebrating its tenth anniversary in December. The Kelley Automotive Group, in concert with its employees and the local community, has been an active supporter of Backpacks of Hope for most of those ten years, beginning in 2013. This year is no different, as once again, Kelley Automotive is partnering with the organization.
Representatives with the Kelley Automotive Group released the following:
The Kelley Group brought together area companies to help support Backpacks of Hope. Each year, Shilling Sales donates backpacks, Menards donates blankets, and this year all the blankets. Witwer Construction, the McComb Family Foundation, Rosema Corporation, Automotive Color & Supply, and LML Estate Management contribute funds. Family Dentistry & Aesthetics donated all the toothbrushes, and with Bussick Orthodontics support we’re on our way to our next level goal. This year, Vera Bradley and Incipio Devices joined the team making generous donations. Additional partners include Wayne Asphalt, who donates gloves, and Parrish Leasing Inc.
Employees of all these partner companies, the Kelley team and the general public are encouraged to donate essential items to fill the backpacks that are then distributed to men, women and children in need, along with homeless veterans.
“The Kelley Automotive Group is proud of our partnership with this compassionate organization. Our employees, customers and friends throughout the community have stepped up every year to donate the items necessary to add a bit of comfort and hope to those in need, especially during the winter months. We expect another generous outpouring of giving again this year,” said Tom Kelley, president of Kelley Automotive Group.
Backpacks of Hope requests that all items are new, unused and full-sized. Crucial items include backpacks, heavy socks and gloves. Other requested items include scarves, winter hats, rain ponchos, soap/body wash, 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, foot powder, shaving cream, razors, lip balm, flashlights, hand/feet warmers, water, non-perishable food Items (backpack size), kids gloves, hats, books and toys.
Donations may be dropped off at any Kelley dealership location or local Menards location until Tuesday, November 30:
· Tom Kelley Buick GMC – 633 Avenue of Autos, FW, IN 46804
· Tom Kelley Cadillac – 625 Grand National Drive, FW 46804
· Tom Kelley Volvo – 865 Grand National Drive, FW 46804
· BMW and Mini of Fort Wayne – 715 Grand National Drive, FW 46804
· Jaguar Land Rover of Fort Wayne – 905 Grand National Drive, FW 46804
· Kelley Chevrolet – 5220 Value Drive, FW 46808
· Tom Kelley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – 1311 S. 13th St., Decatur IN 46733
· Tom Kelley Chevrolet Buick – 1313 S. 13th St., Decatur IN 46733
· Tom Kelley Ford – 1341 S. 13th St. Decatur IN 46733
· Menards (East) – 5511 Meijer Dr. Fort Wayne IN 46835
· Menards (South) – 7702 Southtown Xing Fort Wayne IN 46816
· Menards (West) – 6301 Illinois Rd. Fort Wayne IN 46804
Monetary donations appreciated. The Kelley Automotive Group will also accept monetary donations to help source any remaining items still needed. Checks can be made out to Backpacks of Hope and mailed to 631 East Tipton Street, Huntington IN, 46750 or dropped off at any Kelley dealership to the attention of Anne Waybright.
Historically, backpacks have been filled at the Tom Kelley Buick GMC location. The outpouring of community support was humbling, however this year due to COVID the backpacks will be filled at the Backpacks of Hope warehouse. No volunteers are needed to help fill backpacks.
Backpacks will be distributed on December 17th to the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. And later at the VA of Northern Indiana, Huntington Soup Kitchen, Lafayette Transitional Housing, and Wheeler Mission. Backpacks will also be distributed to the Huntington Sheriff’s Department, Huntington Police Department and Greenfield Police Department, equipping their squad cars with supplies as they see opportunities to help those in need.
Backpacks of Hope was started in memory of Zachery Septer, who died December 2, 2011, at age 21. A year before his death, Zachery decided to spend time with the homeless in Fort Wayne, determined to show this community love, hope and faith. After his death, his family realized the impact he had on many people who are marginalized in society. They decided to continue the work Zachery has begun in his honor. To read Zachery’s full story, click here
