Saturday of Service 2008 ~ Duffle Bags for Foster Kids

Proud SI Calaveras County members display their filled duffle bags
Used with permission of The Union Democrat.

Our club members were very excited about this year's Saturday of Service project ~ stuffing duffle bags for incoming and outgoing children in the foster program.

Research and consultation with the two Calaveras County agencies revealed that when children come into (or leave) the Foster Child program, most often they carry their belongings (however meager that might be) in a black, plastic garbage bag. This seemed like a viable project for us. Consulting with the agencies, we developed a list of "items" that most foster children might need and/or want as an "extra" to call their own. Items included hair bows, combs & brushes, dental products, journals and diaries, school supplies, baby blankets and products, stationary, body sprays and deodorants and stuffed animals. Our "shoppers" then hit the stores to buy many of the products on the list as well activity books, picture books, simple toys, towels & wash cloths for each bag and many other appropriate items.

Each member was asked to provide a new or "gently used" duffle bag suitable for a specific age group & gender to fill with merchandise.

Bev Stewart, one of our newer members, graciously offered her home for assembling the duffle bags. The merchandise was laid out on working tables & members "shopped" to fill their individual duffle bag. Hand-made "This Bag Belongs to……." tags were tied to the bag for the new owner to add their names. For a very special touch, our members made cuddly fringed fleece blankets to add to each bag and labeled them with "tender loving care" and the member's first name. Hand written notes of encouragement to "our child" were then tucked into the completed bag.

Susan BenBrahim and Joan Andersen adding fringe to fleece blankets	Paulette Stelte and Jalynne Redman writing notes of encouragement
Karen Strand, Julie Moore and Chyrl Hillis pose with duffle bag merchandise	Janet Laird, Terri Wilson and Joan Andersen creating duffle bag tags

A light lunch was served after the bags were completed and Monica Smithers, who works with the county agencies, educated members about foster care and their kids.

Susan BenBrahim, Margo Mohn, Marlene Wilkenson and Monica Smithers load duffle bags for delivery

The Result

Forty-five (45) stuffed duffle bags of all shapes & and sizes were delivered to each of the county agencies the following Monday morning. The enthusiasm from the staff and personnel was overwhelming, Monica shared.

A big thank you goes out to Margo Mohn and her committee for arranging this inspiring project and to Bev Stewart for opening her home to the club.

Saturday of Service 2007, Sprint into Action Health and Fitness Faire

Saturday of Service 2006, Delights Calaveras County Seniors

Saturday of Service, 2005, Women's Crisis Center, Spring Cleanup

Saturday of Service, 2004, Vintage Fashion Show and Tea

Revised March 16, 2008