My Bag My Story is a heartfelt initiative that addresses a painful truth faced by many children in foster care. As they move from one temporary home to another, their possessions are often carried in a trash bag. For every bag purchased, My Bag My Story donates a high-quality, durable bag to a foster child. These bags are more than just practical; they are symbols of support and recognition, affirming the inherent value and worth of every child in the foster care system. Through this gesture, it not only provides something functional, but it also helps foster children feel seen and valued.
"I started My Bag My Story after becoming a foster parent and watching children always having their belongings in a trash bag or grocery sack or nothing. Everyone
kept saying this was normal. I said it doesn’t have to be normal, so I set out to have
bags made for kids," said Cara Finger, Founder of My Bag My Story. "Having a bag to
call your own instead of a trash bag gives a child dignity and makes them feel valued. A bag seems so small but makes a huge difference in their foster care experience. Making a child feel like they are worth more than trash is so important to me."
There are over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system right now. (US Department of Education).
Children can remain in foster care for varying lengths of time, from a few days to several years, depending on their situation and the progress of reunification or the adoption process.
Each year, around 20,000 young people age out of the foster care system at age 18 (or 21 in some states) without being reunited with their families or adopted, which can present significant challenges for their transition to independent living. (US Department of Education (ED))
Lighten the Load of Foster Care. For every bag purchased, a bag is given to a child navigating the foster care system. One Bag Purchased = One Bag Donated.
1. Donations: Through its donation program, every dollar donated goes towards giving a child in foster care a bag they can call their own.
2. Dignity Program: My Bag My Story has partnered with over 30 Tennessee-based organizations who work directly with children in the foster care system in order to get them high-quality duffel bags and backpacks.
3. Supporters: As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, My Bag My Story depends on the support of local and national corporations, including Dell, The Predators Foundation, St. George’s Episcopal Church and Target.
#MyBagMyStoryMIN #endthetrashbag
It was cool to learn about how this organization offers care and dignity to children in need with this program, and how every dollar donated goes toward giving a bag to a child in foster care. And I just can't help but think a small thing like a real bag for their belongings, could be a comfort to a child going through an unstable living and family situation.
My Bag, My Story, offers an easy way to reach out and show love to those who are hurting. On the website you can choose from a duffel bag, backpack, or pouch, in fun and inviting colors, and for each item you buy, one is given to a child.
For each bag purchased, one is donated to a child in foster care.
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Many thanks to My Bag, My Story for providing a sample of the product for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own.
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I give back by providing fresh eggs and a small library.
ReplyDeleteWe can volunteer at homeless shelters, food pantries, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe can help the elderly with everyday chores.
ReplyDeleteI tend to several feral cat colonies and volunteer at our local cat shelter.
ReplyDeleteI give back to the community by donating to local charities and volunteering at my grandson’s school.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful ministry! My wife likes to serve in our middle school ministry at church.
ReplyDeleteWe donate to the food bank all the time.
ReplyDeleteGiving thoughtful advice to those who needs positive words & a hug
ReplyDeleteI volunteer within my community to give back and we also donate all year long.
ReplyDeleteheather hgtempaddy
I give back by volunteering at our senior center. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI give back by donating food, clothes and shoes to my local shelter.
ReplyDeleteWe like to adopt a family at Christmas.
ReplyDelete