In mid-December, representatives from the Sara DeSoto Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution dropped off backpacks and supplies that will be distributed to 50 homeless veterans by the team at Goodwill’s Veterans Services office (8490 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota). The donation comes as part of the “Sue’s Backpacks” program of the DAR, spearheaded by member Rebecca Morgan in honor of her late mother, Sue Harris, who led a similar effort through her DAR chapter in another state. Morgan organized the first “Sue’s Backpacks” effort here locally in 2017. Items that were donated along with the backpacks included blankets, clothing items (such as fleeces, socks, underwear and T-shirts), baby wipes, razors, deodorant and body spray, toothbrushes and toothpaste, can openers, rain ponchos, gift cards for Walmart and McDonalds, and a wide variety of snacks. The Veterans Services team will tailor each backpack for the veterans’ individual needs and preferences. The mission of the DAR – whose members must be able to trace their genealogy back to an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary Way – is “God, Home and Country.” Morgan notes the chapter’s focus on historic preservation, education and patriotism, and says that helping veterans is an area of strong focus. Community members who would like to support the “Sue’s Backpacks” effort are invited to reach out to Morgan at fldarpatriot@aol.com.