Hillsborough County Children's Services focuses on keeping youth protected and empowered
For three years, Hillsborough County Children's Services' Duffels of Dignity program has brought comfort, stability, and dignity to children and families facing difficult circumstances. What began in 2022 as a way to provide new or gently used duffel bags and suitcases to youth in foster care has grown into a community movement of hope and support.
Over the past year alone, the generosity of residents and local organizations has made a remarkable difference. From October 2024 through September 2025, the program received:
- 1,429 duffels and suitcases
- 1,668 clothing items
- 7,102 personal care items
- Contributions from 54 individual donors and 13 organizational partners
Together, these donations helped more than 2,000 youth and families in crisis, ensuring that children didn't have to carry their belongings in trash bags and could instead take a piece of dignity with them wherever life's journey led.
Every bag, every item, and every act of kindness has added up to three years of extraordinary impact. As Duffels of Dignity enters its fourth year, Hillsborough County Children's Services celebrates the community members and partners whose support continues to turn hardship into hope.
Community members who wish to join in supporting Duffels of Dignity can donate new or gently used duffel bags, suitcases, and backpacks, as well as unopened personal care items such as toothbrushes, shampoo, and deodorant. Donations are accepted Monday through Friday at the Children's Services administrative office located at 3191 Clay Magnum Lane, Tampa, FL 33618. Items may also be purchased through the program's Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to the campus.
For more details about Duffels of Dignity and how to get involved, visit HCFL.gov/DuffelsofDignity.