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Big Country and Texoma residents stepped up and tangibly loved on children this Valentine’s Day

A group of luggage on a couch Description automatically generated2INgage proudly announces the culmination of its highly successful Luggage Drive campaign aimed at supporting children in foster care. Thanks to the community’s overwhelming generosity, a total of 391 pieces of luggage have been donated, ensuring that many children facing life-altering transitions will do so with dignity and a sense of belonging.

Across Texas, more than 13,000 children live in foster care, often having to transport their belongings in whatever makeshift containers are available at the time of their relocation. The Luggage Drive initiative is aimed at addressing this issue head-on by providing these children with their very own luggage, a requirement now backed by law. The success of this event underscores the community’s commitment to showing love and support for these young individuals during challenging times.

“2INgage is grateful that our community was so responsive to the needs of our children,” said Randy Neff, senior VP, 2INgage. “Children and youth in foster care are coping with many stressors, but because of the overwhelming support, we can ensure each of them has adequate means to pack their belongings.”

The community’s response was heartwarming, with individuals and local businesses coming together to drop off new pieces of luggage at designated locations throughout the region, including several Pizza Hut locations and the Colonial Church in Wichita Falls. Supporters who could not make in-person contributions were able to make purchases through an Amazon Wishlist. Each contribution symbolizes a shared belief in providing better support for children in foster care during significant life changes with the respect and dignity they deserve.

The 2INgage Youth Leadership Council consists of 6 youths currently experiencing Foster Care. They assisted in organizing the luggage and wrote personalized letters to include in the luggage for children. The Youth Leadership Council took this project on because they recognized the importance of ensuring not only themselves but also all children and youth have personal A group of people standing in a room with luggage Description automatically generatedluggage and something to call their own. This project was close to many of their hearts, and they also were able to donate 78 pieces of luggage!

2INgage extends its sincerest gratitude to all who participated in the Luggage Drive, from those who donated luggage to the volunteers and local businesses that served as drop-off points. This campaign highlights the generous spirit of our community and brings us one step closer to ensuring every child in foster care has a proper piece of luggage.

More information on the luggage drive can be found at www.2ingage.org/luggage-drive.

For those who still wish to contribute or learn more about how they can support children in foster care, please visit 2ingage.org. Together, we can continue to make a significant impact on the lives of these children.

Thousands of children in Texas need a safe, loving place to call home. To learn more about 2INgage or how you can make a difference in a child’s life by becoming a foster parent, please visit www.weneedmorefosterparents.com.