‘Build-A-Backpack’ to benefit children victimized by domestic violence

By SANDY LONG

LIBERTY, NY — For a child trapped in a situation involving domestic violence, existence can be harrowing enough. By providing the security of a brand new backpack filled with school supplies, the Leadership Sullivan Class of 2007 hopes to make life a little brighter for the children of Safe Passage, a program that assists children of domestic violence.

Domestic violence can involve physical, sexual, economic, emotional and psychological abuse. It can manifest as threats, name-calling, isolation, withholding of money, physical harm and sexual assault. All social, racial, economic and ethnic groups are affected, and children are often impacted by the abuse.

Safe Passage, based in Liberty, NY, provides crisis intervention, support, information and referrals for victims of domestic violence. Battered women and their children are given counseling and a safe private place to live while children are assisted with coping skills, safety issues and communication skills.

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce sponsors an annual leadership class whose purpose is to build relationships within the community as the class learns more about the county. Participants are encouraged to apply their experience and skills to strengthen and improve the quality of life in Sullivan County. As it becomes acquainted with county agencies, each new class must identify a group project of benefit to the greater community.

When the Leadership class learned that victims of domestic violence usually enter into the Safe Passage program abruptly and with little more than the clothes on their backs, an idea for the class project began to form. Since school supplies are a necessity for most children, the class decided to address that need with its “Build-A-Backpack” project.

“These kids may already feel different because of their home lives. Providing them with new school supplies starts them out on an even playing field with their classmates as well as allowing the parent to meet other needs,” explained Sue Bunce, president of this year’s Leadership class.

The class has pledged to provide Safe Passage with 150 filled backpacks in honor of Todd Panich, a Narrowsburg resident who lost his life on November 29, 2006 due to an electrocution accident. The class is seeking support from the community to complete the project.

How You Can Help

Fill a new backpack with the following school supplies: 3-ring binders, folders, loose-leaf paper, notebooks (single and multi-subject), pens, pencils and crayons, T180 Multi Function Math/Science Calculator. Deliver the filled backpack to the following locations, or call the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce to have it picked up. Financial donations or bulk supplies are also being accepted. Checks should be made payable to the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation and mailed to the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, 452 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701.

Drop off backpacks by April 30 to:

•HSBC, Liberty Branch, Dawn Litwak 53 South Main Street, Liberty, 845/292-5300.

• 1st National Bank of Jeffersonville, Valerie Panich 845/292-2808, Heather Worzel 845/434-1180. All locations.

Drop off backpacks by May 5 to:

• The River Reporter, Lori Malone, 93 Erie Avenue, Narrowsburg, 845/252-7414.

• Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Mills, 452 Broadway, Monticello, 845/791-4200.

Safe Passage Domestic Violence Program 24-hour hotline: 845/292-5700

If you think that you might be in an abusive relationship, or you know someone who is, Safe Passage urges you to “make the call.” Collect calls are gladly accepted. Services are free of charge.