Midland Rainbow Room is collecting school supplies through July 31 for Permian Basin children in Child Protective Services (CPS) or foster care.
Rainbow Rooms are 24/7 resource centers usually located within local CPS offices, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. In Rainbow Rooms, CPS caseworkers accept donations of essential supplies for needy children who are victims of abuse or neglect.
"The Rainbow Room will be collecting school supplies until the end of July for the children that are in CPS/foster care across the Permian Basin," Midland Mayor Patrick Payton wrote in a July 12 Facebook post. "Let’s make sure every child gets a backpack this school year!!"
Donations requested include new backpacks, binders, colored pencils, crayons, dividers and more, according to a list provided by Midland Rainbow Room on the mayor's Facebook page. Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed to children in August.
"It's that time again -- we are hoping to fill 400 backpacks for the children in care before school starts this fall," Midland Rainbow Room said on its Facebook page. "We will be distributing these backpacks through caseworkers in Midland and Ector counties (as well as some of our west Texas neighbors)."
Midland residents can make donations of money or school supplies at the Midland Rainbow Room located at 3401 N. A St. in Midland or at any SouthWest Bank location.
More information can be obtained by contacting Jannine Seymour, Rainbow Room coordinator, at (432) 631-3897.
Formed over 20 years ago, Midland Rainbow Room is the byproduct of a partnership between CPS and Junior League of Midland. It is committed to raising community awareness of child abuse and helping children grow up to be healthy, productive adults. Midland Rainbow Room accepts donations year round of other essential items such as clothing, diapers, formula, toys and car seats.