Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Miami Herald - Sunday, July 12, 1998
Eleanor Ann Miller, Herald Writer
That's why KIDZCARE wants to outfit kids infected or affected by HIV and AIDS with the essential back-to-school gear -- backpacks with school supplies.
Last year, the KIDZCARE Backpack Committee -- a nonprofit volunteer project of the United Foundation for AIDS -- provided more than 250 Miami children with backpacks.
This year, the committee is aiming for 350.
"We want to send the children back to school feeling that the community cares about them," said Marc Cohen, president of the United Foundation for AIDS. "This project is a humanitarian effort and response. We want to affect children's lives and give them hope."
Last year, Amy Pearlson, co-chair of KIDZCARE, handed out backpacks to some kids.
"It's amazing to give them these backpacks," she said. "It's like Christmas to them. They don't just receive any old backpack -- these backpacks are fashionable. It makes the kids feel good about themselves. A lot of these kids are underprivileged and it's a big expense to have to undertake to get kids ready for the school year."
"I volunteer to hand out backpacks because of all of the kids that we're able to help," said Julie Capote, a second-year volunteer. "They have a need that we're able to fulfill -- the parents and the children. The kids think that they're getting empty backpacks and when they open them up, their eyes light up."
The children who receive the packs are from kindergarten to junior high, and they're chosen by the agencies that deal with them.
KIDZCARE is given a list of information from the agencies about each child, so their needs can be assessed.
The kids who get the backpacks are children who either have HIV or AIDS, or who have close family members with the disease.
The average cost of one backpack filled with supplies is $75.
With help from the community, KIDZCARE hopes to reach its goal of raising $26,250 for the project -- last year's donations amounted to around $23,750.
"Last year's program turned out to be beyond our expectations," said Pearlson. "We received more donations then we thought we'd get and we're hoping for the same thing to happen this year for 350 children."
Pearlson hopes that by raising money for the project, KIDZCARE will simultaneously raise community awareness about kids and HIV and AIDS.
980712
MH980703
Copyright © 1998 - Miami Herald. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Miami Herald, Permissions, One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132-1693 TEL: (305) 376-3719. http://www.herald.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1998. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .