The program helped over 2,600 children and families in 2024 alone
In 2024, nearly 1,900 duffels, backpacks, suitcases, and thousands of personal care items made it into the hands of Hillsborough youth who need it most. The Duffels of Dignity program helped more than 2,600 children and families last year.
The program launched in October 2022 to fill a need in the community - children in foster care or other difficult and traumatic situations who leave without a bag to carry their belongings. That's where Duffels of Dignity (and you) come in.
How to donate
Hillsborough County Children's Services is accepting donations of new or gently used duffel bags and suitcases.
Accepted donations:
- New or gently used duffel bags or suitcases (wheelie bags, suitcases with handles, and backpacks are all accepted)
- Personal care items
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Combs and brushes
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Deodorant
Note: All personal care items should be new and in original packaging.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at:
Children’s Services Administration (enter off Lincoln Avenue for easier access)
3191 Clay Mangum Ln. Tampa, FL 33618
Duffels of Dignity also has an Amazon Wish List. Items purchased from this list will be delivered directly to the Children's Services Campus.
Program partners
The Duffels of Dignity program partners with nonprofit organizations throughout Hillsborough County to donate items to their clients. The Children's Network of Hillsborough County (CNHC) has been a partner since the program started.
"Giving is not always about how much we donate. It's about making a difference, and the Duffels of Dignity program is doing just that," CNHC CEO Terri Balliet said about the partnership.
Most of the items collected as part of the Duffels of Dignity program are given to the youth in foster care or temporarily housed at the Children's Services campus. However, there are times when the donation inventory exceeds the immediate need for youth. In these cases, items are donated to partner organizations, such as Metropolitan Ministries and ECHO of Brandon, who give the items to other vulnerable populations - whether they are experiencing homelessness or have a personal setback.
Other community partners include Mary & Martha House and The Spring of Tampa Bay, which help women and their children escape domestic violence.
Spread the word
Help the program do even more good in the community! Share this Duffels of Dignity flyer on social media and with your contacts. Businesses and other organizations can organize a company-wide drive for donations.
For more information on partnering with Hillsborough County Children Services' Duffels of Dignity program, email Craig Jewesak or call (813) 455-2701.