Distributing Duffels of Hope
The last time you took a trip, what did you us as luggage? Did you take a suitcase, or maybe an overnight bag?
Many people take for granted the little things in life as simple as a bag to carry our belongings in. The sad reality is, a lot of kids who come to Home of the Innocents bring only a garbage bag with the few items they have, or they come with nothing at all. Senior Vice President of Community Engagement Lydia Bell shares,“ kids come to us with only the clothes they are wearing and not a single item to their name. These kids often feel vulnerable due to the fact that they have nothing to give them comfort; no toy, book, pictures of family members or even a toothbrush.”
The Brendon P. Bachelor Foundation launched Duffels of Hope in March of 2016. The foundation provides kids with necessities such as toys, toiletries and clothing in duffel bags. The duffel bags give kids an appreciation of ownership, love and security. Recently, they reached out to us because they knew that many of the kids we serve could benefit from them.
“ The duffel bags go to kids coming to our residential treatment programs, kids joining TLC foster families and to patients of Open Arms Children’ s Health,” explained Bell.“ The bags serve a bigger purpose than just providing personal hygiene items for the recipients.
It’ s easing their minds, providing them with things that everyone should have. We’ re reminding them that they are valued and are just like you and me.”
We want our kids to have everything they need as they navigate through life. The Home is only a part of their journey, but these bags can remain with them long after they’ re no longer in our care. The bags aren’ t just supplying them with necessities; they’ re supplying them with the confidence and hope they need to continue on their path to success.
Now, we can give our kids a duffel bag of their own, so they don’ t have to question what they’ ll use to keep their belongings in when they move to their foster home or spend the night with a friend.
If you’ re interested in making a donation to help us fill the duffel bags, we are in need of all toiletries, personal care items, diapers and other baby items. For a full list, visit our website at homeoftheinnocents. org.
Donations can be brought to our main campus at 1100 East Market Street, 8:30 am-6 pm Monday- Friday and 9 am-4 pm on Saturday.
WANT TO HELP?
For more information about donations needed throughout the organization, call 502.596.1025.