KickStart Smiles Project Collecting Toys, School Supplies for Local Children

ROSEBURG, Ore., August 17, 2026 - A H.O.P.E. Drug Court participant is using his graduation community project to give back to local families and provide children with a little extra comfort during times of transition.

Lukas Allen's project, KickStart Smiles, is collecting toys, books, school supplies and other items for children from birth through age 10 whose families are receiving housing assistance through KIC Housing.

The collection includes crayons, coloring books, children's books, small toys, age-appropriate games and activities, backpacks and school supplies. Organizers are asking that donated markers, paints and similar items be washable when possible.

KIC Housing works with local families who need housing assistance while participating in Adapt programs related to substance use disorder. Stable housing can remove one of the biggest barriers families face during recovery, giving parents a safer and more consistent environment while they focus on treatment, their children and rebuilding their lives.

For Allen, the project is personal.

"I want to help them better their program by providing items that assist with their process to help kids with fun and useful items the parents may not always have the opportunity to provide," Allen said. "I received housing assistance and am grateful for the help with my children."

Along with toys and activities for younger children, Allen is collecting backpacks and school supplies for families with school-age children. The goal is to ease some of the financial pressure on parents while helping children have the supplies they need to participate in school and feel prepared alongside their classmates.

Supporting Families Through Recovery

Recovery can affect far more than the individual participating in treatment.

For parents, the process can also involve rebuilding relationships with their children, creating more stable routines and, in some cases, working toward safe and healthy family reunification.

Substance use disorder can place significant strain on an entire family. As parents move through treatment and recovery, rebuilding trust and strengthening relationships with their children can take time.

Stable housing, consistent routines, access to treatment and community support can all help families move forward together.

For children, that stability can mean having a safer environment, predictable routines and opportunities to reconnect with a parent who is working to make lasting changes. Even something as simple as a backpack, coloring book or new toy can give a child something familiar and positive during an uncertain period.

H.O.P.E. Drug Court and Community Projects

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program provides participants with treatment, court supervision, structured accountability and connections to community resources intended to address challenges associated with substance use disorder.

Participants work toward long-term stability in areas that can include housing, employment, family relationships, physical and behavioral health and their connection to the community.

Community service projects are part of the graduation phase and give participants an opportunity to use their own experiences to help others.

Through KickStart Smiles, Allen hopes to support families who may be facing challenges similar to those he experienced while also giving children something of their own to enjoy.

How to Help

Items being collected include:

• Washable toys for children from birth through age 10
• Crayons
• Coloring books
• Children's books
• Small toys
• Age-appropriate games and activities
• Backpacks
• School supplies

Donations will be accepted through September 15, 2026.

Donations can be dropped off at:

Clint Newell Motors
1481 NE Stephens Street
Roseburg, Oregon

Douglas County Juvenile Department
First-floor lobby of the Douglas County Courthouse
1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Room 105A
Roseburg, Oregon

Each donated backpack, book, box of crayons, toy or school supply will go toward helping a local family working toward recovery and greater stability.

Community Invited to 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation

The community will also have an opportunity to recognize participants completing the program during the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, at 5:15 p.m.

The ceremony will be held at Cascade Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

The graduation recognizes participants who have worked through treatment, maintained their recovery, met program requirements and completed the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program.

The ceremony also gives family members, friends and community members an opportunity to recognize the work that goes into reaching graduation and hear about the challenges and accomplishments participants experienced along the way.

Graduate flyers and additional information about the program are available through the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council at https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court.