Carbondale Reporter

In a Nov. 22 Facebook post, Rep. Dave Severin (R-Marion) promoted the "Stuff the Backpacks" holiday drive.

“We were overwhelmed and overjoyed by the donations of hundreds of backpacks in our Backpacks for Buddies drive over the last couple of years,” Severin wrote on Facebook. “Some of the backpacks were already filled, but many were not. We’re doing what we can to provide children placed in emergency foster care with a new backpack filled with items they will need to stay clean and healthy while they are transitioning from their home to emergency care and beyond. We want them to have something they can call their own while they are experiencing trauma and disruption of their regular routines.”

“I have been so happy to work with places like Caritas and DCFS to deliver hundreds of backpacks to children facing these tough situations. It gives them something they can call their own, and hopefully make a very difficult situation they are experiencing a little bit easier,” Severin said. “Let’s step up one more time for these kids and stuff the backpacks this holiday season!”

Those looking to help are encouraged to drop off items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, deodorant, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, feminine care items, coloring and activity books, crayons, colored pencils, and other items at Severin's Marion office. That office is at 600 Halfway Road, Suite 103 in Marion. Donors may schedule an opportunity to drop off donations by calling 618-440-5090. They can also drop off items Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Severin isn’t alone in doing backpack donation drives. WSILTV reported Southern Illinois University and Carbondale Community High School hosted a drive called "Backpacks for Success." Volunteers filled backpacks with inspirational messages and school supplies.

“It’s a fantastic way to get the students involved in their own community while giving back to those that need it,” Jenna Jamieson, a public health teacher at SIU Carbondale, said to WSILTV. “It’s all about helping others, and when you help others, it gives you a purpose beyond what a job will do. There’s just something great about volunteering without getting something in return. I really love seeing students helping students and this is what this project is all about!”

Patch reported Palatine Township recently hosted its Back to School Supplies Campaign where donated backpacks filled with school supplies were donated.

In other recent news, Severin attended the Williamson County Shriners Motor Patrol Annual Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey Fundraiser. He shared this on Facebook: "I brought my grandsons to the Williamson County Shriners Motor Patrol Annual Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey Fundraiser. Thankful for my grandkids and glad to show them the amazing work being done by the Shriners. Great turkey! They also make great ribs, great fish, and great pork loins throughout the year. A lot of volunteers work hard all year long for this worthy cause. Happy Thanksgiving to all! We have much to be grateful for!"

Severin was first elected to the Illinois House in 2017. He ran uncontested in 2020 and 2022. His legislative experience includes serving on the Judiciary - Criminal, and Mental Health & Addiction committees. Severin resides in Benton.