112th Community Council to Host Backpack, Suitcase Drive

The 112th Precinct Community Council is kicking off a backpack and suitcase drive for local foster children.

The council is joining forces with the Rego Park Forest Hills Lions Club and the precinct for the drive.

Heidi Chain, president of the council, said that those interested in participating in the drive should drop off backpacks or suitcases during the group’s Nov. 20 meeting at the precinct, located at 68-40 Austin St. in Forest Hills.

“We don’t have a place where we can store [the items], so we’re doing it the only way we can,” Chain said. “If somebody wants to offer a location as a drop-off point, that would be fantastic.”

Chain said foster children often have to utilize garbage bags when moving their possessions, so the council wants to be able to provide suitcases for them to use instead.

The council will accept slightly used or new suitcases or backpacks. The Lions Club will add in toiletries and a toy.

Chain said the backpacks and suitcases can only be dropped at the precinct during the meeting, but not before then.