The Dawson County Church Alliance partnered with Prevent Child Abuse Dawson to donate more than 100 bookbags filled with socks, diapers, toiletries and other personal hygiene items for children entering foster care.

The backpacks were delivered to Dawson County Family Connection on Jan. 28 and then taken to Dawson County Department of Family and Children Services for distribution.

“Prevent Child Abuse Dawson proposed this idea to the Church Alliance of Dawson County and we were overwhelmed with the response,” said Nancy Stites, coordinator of Dawson County Family Connection. “It took them a lot of work to bring this together.”

Ellen Hattella initiated the effort for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, while Eva Scott coordinated their collection of more than 100 bags.

Members of Christ Redeemer, Dawson County Woman’s Club and youth from Chestatee Seventh Day Adventist also donated bags.

DFCS representatives said some will go immediately to foster children, some will be saved for the future, and some may go to children who are at risk of entering foster care.

“Folks in Dawson County certainly look out for their neighbors,” Social Services Supervisor Victor Long said.