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"In Bell County alone, we've had an increase of over 100 children being investigated by Child Protective Services in the last month, so the numbers are just going up. These Hope Packs help so much because when CPS workers have to bring a child into care in an emergency situation, they go through our Rainbow Rooms and immediately go and grab these Hope Packs relative to the child's age and bring it with them as a child is removed and placed so that children have everything they need for the first 24-48 hours. You have no idea how much we appreciate these Hope Packs — thank you, thank you, thank you!"
– Sandra Blankenship, Bell County Child Welfare Board

“Just placed a 10-day-old baby girl. She came with absolutely nothing (not even formula) and one of the diaper bags you guys donated was a lifesaver for her and the foster family! Thank you and all the donors so much for your hard work — you are meeting a huge need!”
– Grace Kelsoe, Helping Hand Home case manager

“I just wanted to thank you guys for helping yesterday go more smoothly and make my kiddos feel more comfortable. The Hope Packs you guys had ready for them when they arrived were wonderful!!!”  – Bonnie Rushing, BSW, CPS Specialist IV

“We placed a sibling group of three this week, ages 1, 2 and 6. They didn’t come with any of their belongings and we were able to use your Hope Packs to help them feel welcome and comforted. Thank you!”  – Kristi Duck, Helping Hand Home

 “Hello, I am not sure what to call the wonderful bags you recently brought to our office recently for children who come into care.  We have used the gifts you gave us and I wanted to say how amazing the bags are.  They are perfect and give a sense of healing and sure hope.  It is wonderful to have this resource to take out to new children when they are coming in.  I recently went to an intake at 1:30 AM and the items in the bag were so good and needed.  I thank you so much for the care put into each bag for every child. We are honored by these gift bags and how it has helped us help children.”— Sheila Falco, Angelheart Children

“We recently had a newborn placed whose parents were homeless and using drugs. They didn’t have any clothes for him at the hospital and he came in the middle of the night so the foster parents were extremely grateful for a Hope Pack with bottles, diapers and clothes for a little bitty baby.”  – Grace Kelsoe, Helping Hand Home

“He loved the backpack full of goodies you brought for him. I know he really appreciated those things. He would sleep with the little flashlight and the cute pup.”  – A local foster mom who received a Hope Pack for a little boy placed in her home

“Our kids love the Hope Packs!  The foster parents and case managers say their faces light up when they get them. One little guy pulled each item out one at a time and asked, “this is mine?”.  Some if our kids have never had items that are brand new before they came into care.  We had one kid want to keep the packaging! Thanks for all you do!” – Keri Cooper, A World For Children

“I recently had the privilege of giving one of these bags to a young child who came to his new foster home with only the clothes he was wearing. The only toy he had from his birth home was a Ninja Turtle stick. We opened the bag, and he was so excited to find Ninja Turtle pajamas and a nightlight, Star Wars toothbrush, a car, a soft blanket and several other items, just for him!”  – Carol Strychalski, The SAFE Alliance Foster & Adopt Program

“Over the last 12 months I have had 11 children placed in my home. Of those children, only six came with any personal possessions at all. Of those, four had their belongings in a black trash bag. What you do is extremely important, and I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – William, foster parent

“On Saturday, we got a 2-year-old who was living in a tent. His parents were cooking methamphetamines, so all of his clothes had to be thrown away. We gave him a Hope Pack and he had toys and clothes and everything he needed. He especially loved a little fox stuffed animal.”  – Grace Kelsoe, Helping Hand Home

 “I wanted to thank you again for the Hope Pack donations you provided. They made placement really great for two of our kids. The kids were super excited to get the backs and were even more excited when they saw that there were Legos and a Batman figure in them. The child that got the Batman figure LOVES Batman, so it was extra special to him.” – Aaron Oeser, DePelchin Children’s Center Austin

“My son and I went shopping this morning for a 4-year-old boy. I am really proud of him. He picked out the things he liked but never asked if he could have one. And as soon as we got home, he put everything out and packed up the backpack.” – Erica Green, Hope Pack drive volunteer

“Receiving a Hope Pack with a child has provided our family a few extra days to just focus on the child before needing to go and pick up extra supplies. We have been blessed to be able to help and aid several children on their journey and knowing that when they arrive to our home they are accompanied by a Hope Pack full of love and comforts gives us and the child a sense that their needs will be met.” – Courtney Choffin, foster parent

One case manager reported that the new kids were so excited about receiving them and the kids already in the home said “Oh I loved my bag”.  As I mentioned before, one of our families got a placement in the middle of the night and then were at our office as soon as we opened so that they could give the new kids their special bag.  We are so appreciative – we sometimes have bags with some supplies but it wasn’t consistent so some kids got great stuff while other kids got very limited items so having such beautiful bags for every child consistently has been so supportive! – Keri A Cooper, LPC-S Clinical Director at A World for Children

“We started a partnership with Carrying Hope this year to distribute Hope Packs through our Rainbow Room and cannot say enough about how grateful we are for them. The children we serve love them and are always happy to receive their own backpack with a fun toy inside that always brings a smile to their face. Our caseworkers love them because of the ease and accessibility of them; when they are rushing to make sure a child is safe, they can quickly grab a Hope Pack knowing that it will have the items the child needs. Thank you to Carrying Hope for everything you have done for the children we serve!” –  Marcus Cantu, Partnerships for Children

I was able to speak with a few of our case managers about the packs. They told me about two young girls who were recently placed who received your packs (are ages 11 and 9). They came into care with very little and they were very excited about everything in their packs! The items were age appropriate and contained a variety of items the girls loved. They were especially excited about the books and nail polish. I’m certain that these packs made an impact on their ability to feel safe and cared for in their new home.  – Amanda Angell, Upbring Volunteer/Stewardship Coordinator