Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott Rotarians provide clothing for foster children

When members of the Prescott Rotary Club heard that children taken into foster care are typically in dire need of clothing, they decided to do something about it and Suitcases of Hope was born.

The Rotary Club works with the local Department of Health to pack the backs, usually in small suitcases or backpacks.

According to current Rotary president Elaine Williams, the situation was brought to the clubs attention during a presentation by a DHS representative, Jeff Williams. Elaine Williams said that the club learned that children are typically stripped as soon as they are taken into foster care.

A lot of the time, they would have nothing to put on that child, Williams said.

The problem facing workers is then to have something for the child to wear until emergency clothing can be obtained.

Williams said that an oversized t-shirt will usually solve the immediate problem, but small children also need diapers and larger children need underwear. And if its cold, theres a need for socks.

While the list of needs kept growing, the Rotary Club decided to come up with a plan to help. Toward that end, they created the Suitcases of Hope program.

Williams said the program was formulated after a similar program in another county. The goal is to provide some sense of comfort and a few necessities for the first night a child is taken into the foster care program.

The suitcases  often backpacks or other small bags that can travel with the child on subsequent moves over the coming days  are packed with a few items of clothing, diapers or underwear, socks and enough food for a couple of meals. The food is usually a couple of heat and eat meals, such as macaroni and cheese or ravioli. Sometimes, small stuffed animals or other items are included.

Barbara Keeton, who works with local foster children, said theres a continual need for foster families. She said the Suitcases of Hope provide those who are willing to take in children with enough clothing and food to get through the first night.

Recently, the Nevada County Picayune got involved and through local donations from Peggy Delaughter and the Courage House, provided enough clothing, diapers and food for more than 30 backpacks.