Kids in foster care are often forgotten. Today, there are fewer parents willing to adopt, and less federal money available. So this 15-year-old came up with a seamless idea that involves small bags — and a whole lot of care.
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00:00The reason why I give the kids duffel bags is because a lot of times when they're picked
00:13up from Childhaven or moving to another foster home, all their stuff is just dumped into
00:18a trash bag and this can really decrease a kid's self-confidence and so I like to give
00:24them something like a duffel bag that shows them that we care, like we think your thing
00:30are not worthless and we care about your belongings.
00:42I think it's important that I give the kids new clothes because a lot of times they're
00:45already used to receiving the hand-me-downs or the clothes that have already been worn
00:51by like four other kids and I just want them to feel like this pair of pants are yours
00:56and they're meant for you, they're bought for you, and nobody else is wearing them.
01:08I feel like everybody can do anything to help because these kids are really hurting and
01:13by you helping could really change their life.
01:18We just got another call for two kids who just left Childhaven and are in need of some
01:25clothes.
01:26I am getting addicted to packing these bags.
01:28The joy that comes from helping someone who needs the help is just a big thing and so
01:37just as a parent, it's amazing how my kids started it, but it is bringing so much joy
01:44to me and to others to be able to jump in and like he says, to be a village.
01:50And this is where all of the duffel bag packing happens.
01:57So when we get a request from a kid, depending on their age, we sometimes give them backpacks
02:02and duffel bags.
02:03We give them both.
02:04And then I just come right here based on their age.
02:07This is a bunch of like five to seven year old boys clothes right here.
02:15And then here a lot of underwear, socks, blankets.
02:29If we are missing a size or we don't have the right size, we go to the store and buy
02:34more clothes with the money that has already been donated.
02:37And so we give each child one pair of pajamas, three new outfits, and a couple other toiletries
02:42until their actual parents can get them a longer supply of clothes.
02:48And another thing we include is something for comfort.
02:51And this is just to say that we know that your situation is tough, but we want to give
02:55you something that can maybe comfort you and make it a little easier.