Spreading the aloha, one duffle bag at a time
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When children are entering foster care or are transitioning from one home to another, they are usually given a trash bag to put their belongings in. According to the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii, children are taken from their homes and placed into foster care for their immediate safety, at no fault of their own, and often remain in care until they become adults. They frequently change foster homes, and when moving, take none of their belongings, or the little that they have is placed into trash bags. Already experiencing sadness, trauma, and anxiety, children relate themselves to trash, like their belongings that are so frequently thrown into trash bags. Jade, a former foster youth, shared that it was hurtful and “it made me feel like I was the trash being carried around”. Kekoa, another former foster youth, agreed with Jade, and supports the idea of every foster child having their own duffel bag. Kekoa stated ”it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.”
Not only are these duffle bags practical, but they also convey the message that the child is valued. Discount Fabric Warehouse wants to help these children feel loved and valued by encouraging those in our community to share their sewing talents to create duffle bags that will be donated to the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center and distributed to children in need. Each bag would include a luggage tag letting the child know that the bag was made with love and a small comfort pillow.
We’ve already donated over 100 bags but the need is still there. If you’re in the Hilo area, please watch our website (http://www.discountfabricwarehouse.com) or our E-Blast newsletters for dates where we will be opening up our classroom for those who would like to come in and make duffle bags. We supply the instructions, and materials, and you just supply the enthusiasm and love. All skill levels are welcome – if you don’t think you’re ready for a duffle bag, you might be able to help make a pillow. You’ll also have the chance to give an embroidery machine a try or learn a new skill. Want to try to make a duffle bag at home? We have a pattern that you’re welcome to download on our website.
We’d love for you to come and join us for one of our bag making sessions! For more information, please visit our website, send us an e-mail at fabricdfw@gotfabric.com, or call your nearest Discount Fabric Warehouse store. All of our locations are able to collect duffle bags for donation to their local Friends of the Children’s Justice Center organizations. Thank you for helping us draw the line and say that we’re not going to let foster children feel like trash ever again.
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