Children who are placed in foster care often arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. Through My Bag, CASA Partners provides these children with an age appropriate duffel bag or backpack containing everything from a toothbrush and other personal care items to clothing and school supplies.

Each bag also contains a handmade quilt or afghan, a stuffed toy, and books to give the child solace. No longer are the children in Spokane County’s foster care system called the “garbage bag kids,” a term applied when personal belongings were carried in black plastic garbage bags. Even more important than providing for the basic needs for living, My Bag gives these children dignity and comfort at a very frightening and difficult time in their lives.

Since its beginning in April of 1998, the My Bag project, including My School Bag, has provided more than 10,000 bags filled with love, dignity, and comfort for these children.