Love Luggage allows every child in Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties entering foster care to have their own luggage.
The luggage eases transition into foster care, helps improve self-esteem, affirms a child’s value, and provides a carrier for essentials and school supplies. Luggage comes filled with items that communicate care – things such as toiletries and age-appropriate toys.
“In such an uncertain time in a child’s life, it’s nice for a child to have something to call their own. A donation can help bring much needed comfort in the midst of a difficult situation.”
– Lori Endres, foster parent
History
The ALL Class of 2006 addressed a need it saw in the community with this project. As former Allen County Children Services Executive Director Scott Ferris explained: “When children are removed from their homes and placed into foster care, their belongings are often placed into garbage bags. This reinforces the message that they are trash! Unknowingly, the abuse continues. Love Luggage communicates a different message to a child: You are special, you are valued, you are important. The abuse stops.”
Since the class created the original project, members have expanded the work and now also donate filled bags to children services agencies in Auglaize and Hardin counties.
How you can help
To make a tax-deductible donation , make checks payable to ALL Love Luggage and mail to 144 S. Main St., Suite 202, Lima, OH 45801.
Items such as toiletries, books, games, coloring books and stuffed animals can also be donated. A drive for these items, or fundraising for these items, makes a great service project for clubs, youth and church groups. View the supply list:
Contact ALL at ALL@wcoil.com to get started on an item or fundraising drive.