Children's Services received donations and support from community partners and conference attendees
Hillsborough County Children's Services' Duffels of Dignity program was recently featured as the service project for the International County/City Management Association (ICMA) annual conference in downtown Tampa. Dozens of attendees gathered to learn about the program's impact and assist in stuffing 300 duffel bags for youth entering foster care in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.
Support like this from the ICMA and other community groups is what helps ensure children facing traumatic situations or homelessness don't have to carry their belongings in trash bags. Instead, they can take a piece of dignity with them wherever life's journey leads.
Thanks to a generous donation from Tampa Electric, 300 duffel bags and over 2,000 personal care items were obtained in preparation for the service project. Items included travel-sized soaps, lotions, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and teddy bears. Blank, heart-shaped cards were also provided, allowing conference attendees the opportunity to write short notes of encouragement to each child who receives a bag.
Conference attendees spent their early afternoon cycling through an assembly line where each duffel bag was stuffed with supplies. Upon conclusion of the event, the mountain of finished duffel bags was divided and distributed to local foster care and support agencies, including Children's Network of Hillsborough County, Family Support Services of the Suncoast, West Florida Foster Care Services Inc. and Children's Services' Children & Families in Need of Services program.
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 Mangum 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.