Thanks to a gesture of benevolence, hundreds of foster care youth in the Chicagoland area will have an essential item that many go without — luggage.
On Saturday, the Will County Black Diamond Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., in collaboration with the Blue Door Neighborhood Center, hosted its 4th Annual Hope in a Suitcase event. This event is a beacon of hope for foster care youth, providing them with a symbol of stability and a sense of belonging.
“Children often enter foster care with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing and a few personal belongings. Having endured a traumatic experience, they are left to process their emotions by themselves,” stated the Top Ladies of Distinction in a release.
“Together, we can foster character, dignity and hope simply by providing them with a piece of luggage that not only allows them to keep their belongings together while transitioning but to also make it just a bit easier knowing that they are cared for by the community.”
On Saturday, that care from the community was overflowing.
The Top Ladies of Distinction, with the generous support of the community, amassed over 400 pieces of luggage. These will be distributed to two youth shelters: DCFS Joliet and Le Penseur Youth Family Services.
The organizations that stepped up to donate included the Chicago Fire Department (Engine 115, Engine 75 and Tower 24).
Here are some photos from the Hope in the Suitcase event:
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