AFFM to continue Brown’s caring way

Community can help local children with backpack effort
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Houlton’s Molly and Chester Bailey lost their daughter, Janice Brown, when she was killed in a tragic car accident in southern Maine this summer. Her reputation was that of an exceptional adoption worker, according to the Adoptive Foster Families of Maine’s press release.
    “She went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the children on her caseload found permanency,” according to a press release.
    However, Brown isn’t being recognized only for her service, but for a giving spirit.
    When the Baileys were cleaning out their daughter’s belongings, one item stood out among the many. It was ready to go.
    Filled with school supplies to pajamas and toiletries was a backpack to be given to just the right child.
    “A practice she established outside of her office was the filling and distributing of a backpack,” the release stated. “Janice would consider who would benefit from her gift then she would shop for items to fill the child’s need.”
    Adoptive Foster Families of Maine received Brown’s final backpack, surprising a child with the backpack and goodies in early June.
    “That was such a noble and loving act on Janice’s part,” agency officials said.
    The staff and management of AFFM and the Board of Directors have decided to continue this project in Brown’s memory. Each month AFFM will select a youth and carefully fill the backpack with items. In the backpack will be a note explaining why AFFM has opted to provide the backpack in Brown’s memory.
    Two other deliveries have been made and another is being filled for this month.
    “We hope all who become recipients will think of Janice and her wonderful gifts to Maine’s children and their families as they use the backpack and items,” they added.
    In the local area, Gerald “Moose” Karnes is head of Backpack for Kids, which serves the Aroostook County Action Program Bird and North Street centers. The backpacks are delivered to the centers and distributed by the teachers. Inside the backpack is $15 worth of food ranging from the ever-popular kids’ meal of pasta to vegetables, fruit, cereal and juice to name just a few items.
    For more information on the program, to become a sponsor or donate food items, call Karnes at 532-9623.