We have collected and distributed over 70,000 age-appropriate bags to more than 10,000 foster children within Georgia's foster care system. First, consider what type of organization you would like to donate to. www.pioneeryouth.com. If you decide to donate your suitcase locally, she says packing it with a few overnight essentials, like toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a teddy bear, is always welcome. To find the donation center closest to you, simply enter your zip code into the organization's website. If they do not have a specific need, they may not be able to distribute the suitcases properly. And if you make a donation, please be mindful that 20-year-old, ripped or stained luggage does not do any more to help with self-esteem than a trash bag does. And remember, everyone can do something start conversations with your immediate network, share this post with your friends! Get InvolvedFoster Success StrategiesAbout Our TeamNews & UpdatesDONATE!Volunteer, 546 E 17th StreetSuite 206Indianapolis, IN 46202. You can contact us at 855-628-8387 to learn more about your donation options. Hours of Operation Based Upon Volunteer Availability By appointment only. Weve compiled a list of foster closets and resources serving families like yours in the DFW area. Some of them are national organizations, while others are small local suitcase projects like ours. Marc Brown founded FCL in 1995 after attending a fosterscope training classThis organization provides luggage to foster children in out-of-home care. But with spring cleaning season approaching, what should you do with your used suitcases? Stuff Etc. Offer to help a foster parent with transportation of kids to and from after school activities. One way is to check with your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Foster Care Goals. Children Youth Education Foster Care Special Education. In this situation you can donate bags to those in need. Phone interviews with Tammy Levent, founder of itsmybag.cool in Florida is available at 727-560-2700. This is a great way to ensure that your suitcases don't go to waste and that they'll be put to good use by people you care about. These packages are for the children to keep and carry with them on their journey. Second, consider the condition of the suitcase. Some foster care agencies may have a need for luggage for kids but not all do. It is practically impossible to do this. Children are often placed into foster care with no personal items and in many cases with. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, that now unfortunately no longer has luggage storage services due to security concerns. There are a few key things to keep in mind when you are making your donation. All contents Copyright 2017 Foster Care Counts. When donating to goodwill or the Salvation Army, you can be sure that your suitcases will be handled with care. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH894) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA or WWW . If you are planning on donating a suitcase that is empty, organizations typically prefer that you do not donate it. Due to foster home shortages children can be placed in up to 20 foster homes until a permanent place for them is found. Learn more about LSS Therapeutic Foster Care, including how to become a foster parent. Last year we raised over $35,000 in gift-packed suitcases to children entering foster care. To find the donation center closest to you, simply enter your zip code into the organization's website. See resources listed below! PROMO: $25 Gift Certificate toward any eligible Travel Package, If you do not see your state or city listed please contact me at Tammy@TammyLevent.com, PROMO: $25.00 off any future travel package. Guardian Angels Suitcases 4 Kids accepts many forms of donations. Goodwill Industries International: Goodwill Industries International is the umbrella organization for the Goodwill network of thrift stores. Become more trauma-informed and aware of the challenges that young people in foster care are experiencing in our communities every day. Bookbags. Since the pandemic started, our area no longer accepts used luggage, duffel bags, or back packs, and clothing, etc. The SC Suitcase project collects Suitcases and Backpacks for children in foster care, in shelters, or homeless kids. We are currently trying to get permission to interview foster youth. Cars and trucks for 500 down. We believe in a compassionate community that cares for the most vulnerable among us, and we can all do something to bring comfort to children in foster care. For every $10 donated, Comfort Cases provides one child entering foster care with a Comfort XL, a large duffel bag where they can store their belongings and not experience the indignity of living out of a trash bag. Hope in a Suitcase is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit group benefiting Los Angeles foster children. Our solution: Our goal is to transform the experience of children navigating through crisis and transition. The idea of the program is to provide every child in foster care with a suitcase. We are so sorry that we have not updated the information on this site in a long while. Case For Kids is a nonprofit organization that will donate a personalized case to children being placed in foster care homes. Consider granting a wish to a child in foster care through an organization like, Offer personal assistance in your area of expertise (i.e. Each organization has different criteria for what type of suitcase they will accept, so it is important to research the organization you are interested in beforehand. 5. For every child living in foster care, life can be incredibly challenging. Having a way to transport belongings in a real suitcase and the dignity of not using a garbage bag can have an impact. If you want to share What's Right in your . Another way to ensure your donation goes to a good cause is to make sure the organization you donate to has a clear and specific mission that aligns with your own values. Just found out about a organization in my town. While some may simply throw these away or donate them to charity, there are actually many ways to ensure that your used suitcases are put to good use. Drop off donations at 210 Walton Avenue, at Bella Blooms in the Stonewall Shopping Center, 3101 Clays Mill Road, Suite 105, or email Pratt at [emailprotected] or call 859-552-2235. 19 talking about this. What a great way to find a home for these bags by gifting them to our foster youth! Disposal Facilities If you do not have family or friends who can take your old luggage in on a temporary basis, consider donating it to a local disposal facility. Many children remain in foster care for three years or more. People have asked,Do kids really pack their stuff in garbage bags? and Is this really a need? The answer to each of these questions is yes and no.. The donations are then brought to local thrift shops and sold for a fair price. The goal is to collect over 1,200 suitcases. . All donated items, including suitcases, will be used to support the Salvation Army's many programs and services for those in need.2. And if you make a donation . Another way to find out is to check with your local library. The Children's Shelter accepts luggage at its main location at 2939 West Woodlawn. Most of these children enter into a foster home with nothing more than the clothes . However, due to the large number of children in foster care, there is always a need for more suitcases. Of all the donation options, we suggest giving your luggage to a foster care agency. By taking the time to read the policies, you can be sure that you are donating in the most effective way possible. The luggage should be clean and in working condition. This way, foster parents can spend more money on enriching and developing their new family. Foster Care Agencies are the best option to donate your old luggage to. When people think about donating used suitcases, they usually think about donating them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. While there are some sad stories about trash bags being used, foster parents overwhelmingly take great care and love when packing their foster childrens items for a move. These organizations provide low-cost or free secondhand goods to people in need. Please join us as we work to eliminate trash bags from the system and show children in foster care that they matter. Their Sweet Cases initiative donates duffel bags of overnight necessities and comfort items to kids and teens entering care. Im so glad I can do it. Retired foster dad donates suitcases to foster children. SCCS is NOT ABLE to accept donations of gently used items of . We apologize that we cannot pick up smaller items due to our current staff size. Generous organizations and people create Foster Care Closets for foster parents. Learn More: Where to donate socks near me? Hope in a Suitcase is a volunteer-driven nonprofit group benefiting foster children. All donated items for the children must be new, with tags still on. We have clothing, diapers, car seats, bedding, books, toys, toiletries, luggage, baby gear, cribs + more available for FREE! http://www.swaggprograms.com/swagg-store/. Foster children move around a lot unfortunately, and typically use trash bags to carry their belongings. Pasco County collects gently used suitcases for foster children in need. What is Hope in a Suitcase? There are a number of ways to make sure your donation of used suitcases goes to a good cause. You will need to carry anything you bring into the aquarium for the duration of your visit. 3. Simply select the type of items you want to donate car computer furniture pet supplies and enter your zip code. Many charities are very specific about what they can accept. You can help foster families provide a comfortable, welcoming environment for children by collecting and donating the following frequently needed items: Backpacks and duffel bags Toiletry bags Bathroom supplies, including soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, wide-tooth combs, hair brushes, toothbrushes and travel-sized toothpaste Some organizations have specific guidelines about what types of suitcases they will accept, and how they should be donated. Buy a complete bag, which will be hand packed by a our staff. Suitcases can be used to help foster children move from one foster home to another. Other organizations you can check out are Luggage of Love and Bags4Kids. Home; About Us. 1. In this situation you can donate bags to those in need. The Bryant Middle School student raised enough money in 2018 to donate more than 500 night lights to foster kids across central Arkansas, according to the organization. PROMO: $ 25.00 Gift Certificate toward 5+ night Travel Package does not apply towards cruises. Goodwill: Goodwill is another organization that operates thrift stores. Hope in a Suitcase Australia is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers who are incredibly passionate about showing every child in the foster care system that they are loved and valued by their community. 2023 Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Comfort Cases | Providing Comfort to Children in Foster Care We've got BIG News - The 200,000th Comfort Case Packed & Distributed! I am definitely going to donate my clothes to this organization tomorrow. We do not want children to feel that they are only as good as used luggage. Contact your local foster care agency and offer to help teens complete their driving hours while in driver education and using learners permits. Another option is to donate them to a local thrift store or consignment shop. Many kids go to school with their books and supplies in a grocery bag. Here is a list of projects that we know of. New or very gently used Books. The organization has a number of programs and services that help families in need, and all donated items are used to support these programs. You might also consider placing requests on Embraces Facebook page. Here is a list of projects that we know of, Why CanT You Donate Plasma With High Blood Pressure. (Click here for directions) You can also drop them off at the tax collector's offices all. Weve done our best to round up resources to help your family. They may have a list of businesses that accept donations of used suitcases. Fostercare Luggage For Kids. Sometimes needs are not always able to be met by the State and that is where we step in. Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 Items We Accept. Some people have made some alterations and created a bed for their pet using an old suitcase. For more information, please contact Lakeshia Bryant-Seabrook at (843) 953-9586 or you may click here to email her. Many of us take these bags for granted, relying on them until they start to wear out and then replacing the set. Contact one of the agencies listed before just showing up to donate luggage or anything else. It was Dec. 5th, 1999, I was in the foster care system on a farm in southern Minnesota," Ludewig . Donating your luggage is our top suggestion but who accepts luggage donations. Donations are accepted at the Mansell Place Distribution Center on Tuesdays through Saturdays 10AM - 12:30PM by appointment only (please see above temporary notice). Therefore, carefully review your bag before you make a charitable donation. Luggage. Contact Us For more information about becoming a foster parent, contact us at 817-887-8176. If there aren't any locations in your area, check local shelters for women and the homeless, or even Goodwill. Atlanta, GA 30318. In January, a Facebook post about donating suitcases to foster care organizations went viral. The resources listed here are independent, and not a part of the Embrace Texas ministry. This year we have set our sights even higher and are hoping to raise $40,000 in gift-packed suitcases. $20 supplies a new pair of pajamas and a blanket to a child in need. They have formed partnerships with social workers in San Joaquin County. Many have few, if any, belongings. baby wipes, cleaning supplies, children clothing, duffle bags, and personal care items (full size bottles). Since October 2020, we have been an established 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Organization. Changing from a trash bag to a suitcase can help improve the self-esteem of the children. The organization has a number of programs and services that help families in need, and all donated items are used to support these programs. For any questions, feel free to contact Tiare Olevao at 801-381-1502. The process for donating suitcases to foster care in New Jersey is actually quite simple. Tiare Olevao May 21, 2022 by Hassan. These organizations typically take donations of all types and resell them in their thrift stores. One option is to sell them online. Many foster children move around a lot and often use trash bags to carry their belongings. Salt Lake City, UT 84107 You may also want to shred your old clothing and donate it to the charity along with the suitcases. 400 E Harrison St, Yes. I then had to share it with you all. To find a Goodwill donation center near you, simply enter your zip code into the organization's website. Get involved to help kids in your city! They also provide in-home services, identify community resources, and act as the liaison between the family and the CPS caseworker. Monday through Friday. The Foundling hopes to collect more than 1,000 new pieces of luggage one for each child in their care in their "Cases for Kids" drive by May 1, the start of Foster Care Awareness Month. Together We Rise wants to remove trash bags from the foster system with your help. If its in GREAT shape, please consider donating it to a local foster closet. Suitcase sets often take up a lot of room, so most people don't want to keep them around the house. Here are just a few organizations that would gladly accept your gently used luggage donations:1. We will have a few foster families available for interviewing. BAGS will announce the location of the event on its website when the date draws near. The Foster Coalition does not run foster care closets. 2. Finally, you could also simply give them away to friends or family members who may be in need of new luggage. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 3pm and Sundays, 1pm to 3pm. Through LSS Therapeutic Foster Care, families open their homes and hearts to children in times of transition, offering a safe and supportive temporary home where they can live, learn and grow. In this situation, you can donate bags to those in need. 1. Our mission is simple. Check out our other programs to learn more about the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Changing from a trash bag to a suitcase can help improve the self-esteem of the children. In this situation, you have options that allow you to make a contribution. Best place to donate used luggage. Keep this list with your receipt, and do not throw it away after tax season. They consist of donated items meant to offset the costs of new clothing and other necessary belongings for children in care. should also be brought to the Mansell Place location and will be With a little creativity, you can make sure that your old luggage serves a new purpose and brings joy to someone else. Tarpon Fundamental Teachers The Chosen Ones Just 4 U Warehouse (Fort Worth), Shining Light Closet Foster Closet (Denton), Project Love Foster Closet (Farmers Branch), Everything A to Z Foster Care Closet (Weatherford/Parker County), Have clothing, furniture, or baby equipment you no longer need? There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best places to donate, but some popular options include: To help "It's My Bag" with their goal, Travel Makers is currently serving as the Maryland drop-off location for the program. Finally, used suitcases make great environmental contributions by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Thank you for supporting foster families as they give children the stability and care they need. Goodwill donation centers can be found in most communities and all donated items are used to generate revenue to support the organization's programs and services. Michigan provides clothing, toys, shoes, baby equipment, and gear and in some cases furniture to children placed in the foster care system in the State of Michigan. If there are any weve missed, please email info@embracetexas.org to share! Foster Care Agencies Our top suggestion is to search online for nearby foster care agencies in your area give them your old luggage. Click here for a map of their Canadian locations. (if you know of one that is not listed, send us the link via email!) In addition to basic necessities children also receive toys, books, school supplies, a blanket and other items to help them feel comfortable. His number is (859) 552-2235. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the organization is reputable and has a good track record. You can also donate suitcases to local charity shops. BOOK TOUR Comfort Cases Has Won a 2022 Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits Comfort, Community, Character, & Compassion. Including how to become a foster care, there is always a need for luggage for kids is a organization... Since the pandemic started, our area no longer accepts used luggage please join us as work... A nonprofit organization that will donate a personalized case to children being placed foster. 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