Duffle Bags and More delivers supplies for youth in foster care

Local nonprofit Duffle Bags and More Inc. recently reached the milestone of delivering a total of 100 duffle bag kits to Delaware Family Services.

Consisting of a duffle bag with toiletries inside, the kits are distributed to foster children in transition across Delaware.

Stacy Northam-Smith, regional administrator for the Delaware Division of Family Services, accepted the delivery. “Removing a child from their home is a terrible, traumatizing event, and one can imagine the sense of loss these children experience,” said Northam-Smith. “Often, we have to use whatever is available to collect and move children’s belongings. These duffle bags will give us the opportunity to give children something that will last and that will belong to them. The duffles will also allow them to keep their possessions safe and contained in a sturdy bag handcrafted by local people that truly care about their well-being and future”

“We are so proud to deliver these much-needed duffle bag kits to Delaware Family Services and even prouder that, with the help of our wonderful volunteers, we were able to reach this milestone within the first year of our mission,” said Debbie Fratella, president of Duffle Bags and More Inc.

The mission of the Delaware Division of Family Services is to promote the safety and well-being of children and their families through prevention, protection and permanency. Duffle Bags and More Inc. was created as a 501(c)(3) organization with the stated mission of volunteering time and talents to provide sturdy duffle bags and additional support for children in the foster care system. The organization also embraces projects to support children and adults in need in the community.

For information about volunteering or donating, contact Debbie Fratella by emailing DufflesMore@gmail.com.