The local chapter of the Mississippi Federation of Woman’s Club Juniorette Diamonds is participating in a service project that involves collecting backpacks for foster children.

The club is currently involved in two projects as part of the backpack ministry, co-advisor for Juniorette Diamonds Darlene Adams said.

The first project will be the Backpacks N July event set to take place on July 28, Adams said. At the event, members of the Juniorette Diamonds will be holding a bake sale to raise funds to support the initiative, she said.

The second project is targeted at collecting backpacks for foster children. It has been an ongoing project since June, Adams said.

She said the backpacks will be provided to children who have been separated from their parents due to unforeseen circumstances, Adams said.

As part of that project, the Juniorettes are challenging local churches to help the club raise funds so they can purchase the bags, school supplies, and every day items such as toiletries and clothing, Adams said.

The First Baptist Church of Picayune was the first to join the effort with help from its Vacation Bible School, she said.

Zachary Butler, associate Pastor of Children and Outreach at the church, said that about $1,201 was raised by the church. He said this particular initiative was a learning experience for children attending the Vacation Bible School.

It taught them about giving to children who don’t have access to basic necessities, Butler said.

Adams said the club has also challenged other local churches