Can you imagine having to flee your home or foster home without any of your belongings - not even your toothbrush? If you're lucky, you've never had to worry about this happening to you. But there are a lot of kids who come from troubled families and foster homes who have had to leave their home, without warning, and with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Care Bags Foundation - The Start
That's why, when
Annie Wignall found out about these
unfortunate incidents in January of 2000, she decided to do something about it. Annie, who was just 11 at the time, couldn't imagine not having her own toothbrush, toothpaste,
shampoo or
soap, and saw the need to
reach out to these kids. She came up with the idea of filling beautiful
fabric Care Bags with brand new items that had been donated to the cause. The Care Bags Foundation is the result of Annie's
big heart and dedication.
Care Bags Foundation - The Cause
The Care Bags Foundation is a legal, nonprofit,
charitable organization that has earned national and statewide recognition. The Care Bags Foundation has
inspired a ton of businesses and
volunteers to donate items and 32 other people/groups have started similar Care Bag
projects in their communities. The organization's mission is "to provide Care Bags filled with new essential, helpful, fun, safe and age appropriate items for children/youth (ages baby-18 years) who are
in need." Most recently, Annie's organization sent out Care Bags to kids affected by
[kwlink]Hurricane Katrina[/kwlink], which was one of the
worst natural disasters in North America that left more than a million people homeless.
Care Bags Foundation - A Little Help From Your Friends
Because the Care Bags Foundation is
international, they receive help from international agencies. This includes Airline Ambassadors and
Orphans of the World, who
hand-deliver the Care Bags to needy kids in
other countries.
More about Annie and the Care Bags Foundation, right here!
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Annie Wignall, Care Bags Foundation Interview
The Duffle Bag Princess
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Second Harvest Feeds the Hungry
More Charitable Organizations!