Monitronics, located in Dallas, is the first company in the security industry to partner with Mission 500 to support the organization’s Children Fleeing Violence Project. The effort is dedicated to providing protection and basic resources for tens of thousands of children from Central America who are traveling unaccompanied to the United States to escape gang violence and high levels of poverty in their home countries. The majority of the children are stalled at the border in their search for safety as authorities decide how to proceed.

The company is encouraging employees to participate by donating money, or by supplying and assembling “Promise Pack” backpack kits. The packs will include basic hygienic items, such as soap, shampoo, washcloths, insect repellent, toothpaste and toothbrushes. They will also contain educational supplies, such as pencils, crayons and rulers, along with a note of encouragement from a donor.

Employees who volunteer will load the backpacks on Wednesday, August 27, 2014. Once assembled, the packs will be shipped to World Vision’s warehouse in north Texas and then provided to children affected by the growing humanitarian crisis. The organization is hoping to gather more than 6,000 packs.

 “We’re glad to support Mission 500 in its ongoing effort to provide security in the form of food, clothing and education for children in need,” said Bruce Mungiguerra, Monitronics vice president of operations.

Mission 500, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families in crisis, is part of the worldwide philanthropic program World Vision. The security industry has a long association with Mission 500 dating back to its inception in 2007.  Through partnerships with companies like Monitronics, Mission 500 has raised over $1.5 million in cash and $400,000 in gifts in kind, with proceeds going to support projects across the world.

  “Our industry is made up of people who believe in safety and security,” said Barb Holliday, Monitronics director of dealer services. “Providing security to the world’s neediest children is something of which we can all be proud.”