No Trash Bags When Leaving My Home… Foster Care Bags

A trash bag. A trash bag? Yes, that’s what they came with… if anything. Being a foster mom, I’ve seen kids come with absolutely nothing. My daughter came with trash bags full of miscellaneous belongings that didn’t even fit her or pertain to her. Most clothing was stained or torn. She came to us dressed in little boy clothing. So, why trash bags? It’s the easiest and quickest way for social services to bring their belongings from point A to point B. Most items that make it from point A to point B are unusable, making it up to the foster parents to provide quality clothing for each child within hours of the children entering their home.

I can remember my daughter coming to our house after 8 one evening. We gave her a much-needed bath and put her in some clothing we had on hand. Knowing that children come with nothing, we try to keep some clothing within the size range that we work with. The next morning after she came, she and I set out to Target to buy her a whole new wardrobe.

Our daughter now never went back home but we have had several who have come to us with trash bags of unusable belongings and went home with nice clothing.

My heart breaks to even think about these children already feeling worthless when they first come into a home with little to nothing. The lack of importance they must feel seeing trash bags of tattered and torn clothing. When they leave our home, I like to know I am sending them home with confidence. Feeling like they are worth it. I know the bag itself doesn’t make them worth any more but would you go on vacation and put all of your clean belongings in a trash bag? Or would you rather have your belongings folded neatly in a bag or suitcase? I know what I would prefer! A trash bag just seems so degrading!

If you read my blog regularly, you KNOW I love Thirty-One products. We currently have a child in our care who is going home soon. She has seen my Thirty-One bags and loves them! So, I had to make sure when she goes home, she feels confident… important…. well cared for…. loved. We are sending her home with a full wardrobe of clothing, toys, plenty of shoes…. all in nice bags!

Thirty-One Gifts was founded by Cindy Monroe in 2003. The direct sales company was established in order to encourage and help women to run their own successful business.

This All Packed Duffle

Charcoal Crosshatch is a foster child’s perfect carryall for things like a camping trip, the gym, a sports outing, a weekend visitation, or moving back to their family. It features an exterior zipper pocket, exterior zipper shoe compartment, and two interior mesh pockets. Kids will love this colorful, durable, lightweight.

Key features:

Ripstop
Zipper closure
Exterior zipper pocket and zipper shoe compartment
Two interior mesh pockets
Monogramming and personalization options available
Approx. 11″H x 22″L x 12″D

Cinch Sac- Pink Crosshatch

They can use it for school, for sleepovers, for summer camp, for trips to the library or for a day at the zoo. This cinch sac features an exterior zipper pocket, drawstring closure, and adjustable cords.