Parent to Parent: Giving Season

WSVN -- These backpacks are being stuffed with school supplies by volunteers at Angel Backpacks.

Maribel Arellano: "The main goal is to give hope to those in dire need. That is our mission."

The group has handed out hundreds of backpacks thanks to their volunteers.

Maribel Arellano: "We also have a lot of students, firefighters, cadets, boy scouts, girl scouts that help us in the assembly of the backpacks and in the distribution of the backpacks."

College students Nicole and Leslie say doing work like this just makes them feel good.

Nicole Lamazares: "When you give the backpacks out to people in need, you actually feel very proud and happy. You feel like you're actually giving back to the community."

Leslie Leal: "It's just a rewarding feeling to see their face when they receive something that they probably weren't expecting."

7's parenting expert Dr. Valerie Goode says teaching children to give back will make them happier.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "I think we really have to look closely at our children when they're saying, 'I want this, I want that,' because we're not really creating a society of children that are happier."

Dr. Val says every time a child receives a toy they should give one to a child less fortunate and as kids grow, parents should encourage them to give back to the community.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "So it's really important to participate in our community and to teach our children young."

Dozens of kids at Abriendo Puertas, a community center in Little Havana, were thrilled to receive their backpacks.

Arthur Henry: "We're choosing the styles we like. It kind of shows everyone's personality when they choose one type of bookbag."

Eleven-year-old Chelsea says she can't wait to show off her new backpack.

Chelsea Marisol: "I get so excited and impatient, because I'm ready to learn more stuff."

With both volunteers and kids left smiling, Maribel says today's mission is complete.

Maribel Arellano: "It gives them hope, and that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to give hope."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Angel Backpacks

Tel: (305) 496-0754

Abriendo Puertas

1401 SW 1st Street

Miami, FL 33135

Tel: (305) 649-6449