My Stuff Bags
Often, when kids are taken from their homes and families by the authorities, it is during an emergency situation where everyone is working quickly. There's no time for goodbyes. There's no time to pack. Maybe a few things are thrown into a garbage bag to go with the child to the police station or foster home. It's a scary time for a young child, and the idea that they can't even take along special items, like a blankie or a toy, breaks my heart.
Late last year, I met Janeen Holmes, chief executive officer and president of My Stuff Bags Foundation. Our agencies were both being honored by Bienvenidos, and it was the first time I had heard of her organization. My Stuff Bags are blue duffels filled with new and necessary age and gender appropriate items for children being cared for by nonprofit agencies that serve abused, neglected, abandoned, homeless or displaced children. Each bag has a filled toiletry bag with essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as a soft stuffed animal and a blanket - often handmade and donated. Bags for younger children include things like diapers, pacifiers, bottles, clothes and baby toys, while older kids also get books, toys, crayons, coloring books and early childhood learning supplies. Since 1998, more than 415,000 at-risk children nationwide have received My Stuff Bags. Last year, nearly 8,400 were distributed to children in Los Angeles County - half of whom were 5 years old and younger. I'm an avid quilter, so I introduced myself and told her about my quilting group, hoping we could help fill the bags. Since then, 21 women in my group have made and donated 55 bright quilts for the children, and hope to continue filling their bags on an ongoing basis. In addition, First 5 LA just established a matching grant funding agreement with My Stuff Bags, and will give nearly $5,000 to help the Foundation leverage additional funding to create almost 400 My Stuff Bags for children 5 years and younger in L.A. County. This project is special. It gives these kids a sense of dignity and comfort they wouldn't otherwise have in such a stressful and terrifying situation. I'm happy to have a hobby with a purpose, and I invite you to visit the My Stuff Bags website and see how you can help, too. Evelyn V. Martinez Chief Executive Officer
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