Care Bags for Foster Children

My name is Alexia Rutland. I am a senior in the undergraduate Social Work program at the College at Brockport. I am currently an intern in a supervised visitation program (SVP) in Rochester, NY. A visitation specialist supervises court ordered visits between parents and their children. Many of these children have been removed from their parent’s care through Child Protective Services (CPS). Most often, the children are placed into foster care. The removal from parents and home is traumatic for children. Quite often, garbage bags are used to collect the children’s belongings. There are also times when the children bring nothing to the foster home.

A group of professionals, including myself are working towards the goal of creating an independent not-for-profit organization that would help provide not only needed essentials, but items that would give children a sense of comfort. These items would be contained in what I like to call a “Care Bag.” My goal is that a care bag would be available for every child who may need one. My dream is that a care bag will be able, in some way, to provide a child with a sense of comfort or the feeling that someone cares about what they are experiencing.

Please find attached a list of some of the objects needed to create the care bags. I would like to request the aid of yourself/organization/business in providing either financial aid or physical donations to be used to create these bags. We are currently accepting donations for children ages 0-18. Thank you for considering to support this cause, and to make a difference in the lives of children throughout Monroe County.
Warm regards,
Alexia Rutland

“Care Bag” Needs/Suggested Donations:
Youth backpacks/small suitcases
Mini flashlights or nightlights
Books
Blankets
Pillows
Small toys (teddy bears, toy cars, etc.)
Clothing for children ages 0-18
Pajamas
Ziploc bags
Toothbrushes/toothpaste
Shampoo
Body wash
Deodorant
Monetary donation to purchase “care bags” and supplies