by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
A Pockets of Hope fundraiser to brighten up the transition for foster children is set for 4-7 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at the Blue Line Bar and Grill in Sartell.
Pockets of Hope is a program that fills backpacks with fun-and-comfort items for children who are suddenly placed in foster care, often because of an immediate crisis or danger to the children.
Lisa Schroers, a daycare operator in Sartell, and Jennifer Bruzek and Briana Sjudin, who have children who attend Schroers’ daycare, started Pockets about a year ago.
In just the first year, the women filled 150 backpacks, which were given to social workers who in turn distributed them to the agencies where they were needed. The “Pockets of Hope,” as they’re dubbed, go to foster children in Stearns County primarily, with some going also to Todd and Wright counties.
“We’ve had a great reaction,” Schroers told the Sartell Newsleader. “In one case, a recipient was so happy to get a pair of pajamas. Another boy was excited to get deodorant as he’d never had his own before.”
Foster parents are also pleased about the Pockets of Hope because in some cases a child or children are brought to them without warning and so sometimes the parents don’t have things they might immediately need, such as diapers.
Those who attend the Blue Line fundraiser can also bring donations. At the event, there will be raffle items and a silent auction. A portion of sales of food and drink will also go to Pockets of Hope.
The DeZurik Co. in Sartell is also helping out. Each year, the company does a 5K run and chooses a charity to which to donate money raised. This year, it will go to Pockets of Hope.
The race will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 30. People can register for the race by going to www.pocketsofhope.org. Donations can also be made on the website.
