This year, about 60 Austin-area foster youth will graduate high school. When foster youth turn 18 and/or graduate high school, they age out of the system with nothing more than a plastic bag to hold all their belongings. Austin Community College District (ACC) wants to change that through ACC’s Annual Foster Care Luggage Drive.
“When I was moving from home to home in foster care, all I was given was a brown paper bag or a trash bag. That made me feel like trash because not only did I have to move, but I was given something trash goes in.” Former foster youth, ACC graduate, and current ACC employee Shilda Fresch spoke on just how important this support is.
How You Can Help
Donate a Suitcase:
You can drop off new or gently used carry-on-size rolling suitcases with ACC’s CARE Coordination Team. You can find all the CARE Coordination Team Offices here.
Make a Monetary Donation:
Visit the ACC Marketplace web page to contribute. A $45 donation covers the full cost of one new carry-on rolling duffel, but any amount makes a difference.
All contributions benefit the Department of Family and Protective Services’ Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program. Donations will be accepted throughout May.
“Donating is crucial because a single act of kindness can change a life. You never know what obstacles someone might face on their path to success, and lending a helping hand can uplift and inspire others,” said Shilda.
Since ACC started participating in the Foster Care Luggage Drive in 2009, more than $17,000 have been donated. This year, the College hopes to donate $2,700 and/or 60 pieces of luggage.