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In New Hampshire, a foster child moves an average of 15 times before reaching adulthood. Many people don’t know how common it is for these at-risk youths to use trash bags as “luggage” as they move between temporary homes. Imagine gathering everything you own, including your most treasured possessions, and placing it all in a trash bag for transport. We believe these kids deserve much better.
The Suitcase Project is focused on helping restore dignity and self-worth for children within the foster care system and children and families in need by providing luggage to those who need it. We accomplish this goal by collecting donations of new and gently used suitcases and duffel bags during outreach events in the community, and collaborating with several other non-profit groups to deliver those donations to foster children.
- Registered as a Charitable Trust in NH and 501(c)(3)
Join Us in Making a Difference
At the Suitcase Project, we believe that every child deserves to feel valued and respected. Our mission extends beyond just providing luggage; it’s about instilling a sense of dignity and worth in the lives of children within the foster care system and children and families in need. Every suitcase we provide serves as a symbol of hope and a step toward a brighter future.
Why It Matters
- The impact of our efforts goes beyond the tangible. For children within the foster care system and children and families in need, having a suitcase means having a sense of stability and pride. It means they can carry their belongings with dignity and feel like they belong. Our work helps foster children transition between homes with a little more ease and confidence.
How You Can Help
You can make a significant impact by supporting the Suitcase Project. Here are a few ways you can get involved
Donate
We accept donations of new and gently used suitcases and duffel bags. Your contributions will go directly to children within the foster care system and children and families in need.
Volunteer
Join our team of dedicated volunteers who help organize and distribute donations. Your time and effort can make a world of difference.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness about the challenges faced by foster children and the importance of our mission. Share our story with your friends, family, and social networks.
Success Stories
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to help countless children within the foster care system and children and families in need.
"I was in and out of the foster care system from birth, until ultimately I became a permanent ward of the state at age 13. Being a "ward of the state" is the same as being a "foster child." It is a journey that comes with a lot of challenges and obstacles, stigma, and pain. Some obstacles are fought on the inside, others externally. As a young child, I had to see the few things I owned thrown into a garbage bag, and honestly, I will never get that image out of my head! A suitcase or duffle bag is such a basic thing for so many people. To me, and to foster children who probably already feel like they don’t belong and have so many other battles ahead, a suitcase represents so much more! A nice, sturdy, forever bag or suitcase to keep their stuff in is dignified, and it would have given me a little sense of self. I want every foster child to know people care, and they are worthy of a suitcase - and so much more in life!”
Josie S., VolunteerFrequently Asked Questions
The goal of The Suitcase Project is to provide a greater sense of self esteem, dignity, and belonging, by donating gently used and cleaned suitcases or duffle bags to children within the foster care system and children and families in need within the community.
Yes we are!
The Suitcase Project board members and founder can be found on the About Us page.
The Suitcase Project is currently processing the 1,000+ suitcases and duffles collected at the Suitcase Drive January 6th! There are NO drives currently running however, if you would like to donate or volunteer, send an email. Either the President or Founder will answer with a way to donate or a date for the next drive!
You can email us or check the event calendar for volunteer opportunities; volunteering your time and not necessarily a suitcase is a big help!
At a young age, Megan was introduced to the foster care system through family friends. She quickly learned the adversities foster children faced. She decided she wanted her Community Service Initiative for the Miss America Opportunity to be a Non-Profit she created to aid children within the foster care system by providing them with suitcases or duffle bags to carry their belongings from place to place in a way that provided a greater sense of self-esteem and dignity. Megan believes no child should be handed a trash bag to pack their belongings!
Email us: thesuitcaseprojectnh@gmail.com