Suitcases for Foster Children

I’m sure you’ve seen television shows and movies in which children are removed from their home for safety reasons. Usually, the children have to transport their belongings in a trash bag - their clothes, and shoes, any favorite stuffed animals or pillows, etc. stuffed into a literal garbage bag.

I’ve always thought this made a sad and difficult situation even worse for them. It is so demeaning to the child who through no fault of his or her own is being removed from their home. Turns out this actually is how it happens in real life, too. After speaking with several foster care agencies, I found that this happens all the time.

So, I’ve done some research and there are three foster agencies (Department of Social Services, Lutheran Services Carolinas, and SC Youth Advocate Program) in Columbia that will accept new or gently used luggage to give to children who are being placed in foster care.