DRI, a national professional association of 20,000 defense attorneys, partnered with HandsOn New Orleans to provide 1,000 backpacks to New Orleans foster children.
The backpacks were stocked with personal items such as shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, a water bottle, stuffed animals, pens, note pads, crayons, and other items.
DRI held its Annual Meeting at the New Orleans Marriott from October 16-19. The backpack drive culminated with the assembly of the backpacks on Friday, October 18th at 10am at the New Orleans Marriott.
Pamela W. Carter, DRI member, and founder and managing director of the Carter Law Group LLC in New Orleans said, “I have been a member for more than 20 years and I am so proud that DRI has joined forces with HandsOn. Great things can happen when we work together. By giving back we all win and most of all our children win. I love the DRI family values of working together to create a culture known for helping those who need encouragement and support.”
Toyja Kelley, president of DRI said that “DRI has held its annual meeting in New Orleans several times. Part of the attraction is that it is such a great and unique city. But what makes it great and unique is that it is widely viewed as a city that pulls together in the face of challenge. So, when we heard of the Bags4Kids Project, we simply wanted to be a part of that. HandsOn New Orleans is an incredibly dedicated organization and it has been a pleasure to work with. There quite simply is no better cause than the welfare of our children.”
Chris Cameron, Executive Director of HandsOn New Orleans said “Research has shown that 28% of households in the Greater New Orleans area are living at or below the federal level of poverty. Another 44% of hardworking families are living paycheck to paycheck and are just one emergency from toppling into poverty. We welcome our partnership with DRI and Bags for Kids to create a huge impact for local families that struggle to make ends meet. Their support of our mission to engage, empower, and transform our community through volunteer service has been invaluable.”