How you can help

Make a Hope Pack

When children enter the foster care system, they frequently arrive at their new foster home with nothing. If they have been allowed to bring along some items, often they have been shoved hastily into a trash bag. We think kids going through such a traumatic time deserve better.

A Hope Pack is a backpack or diaper bag filled with comfort items and essentials intended to help ease the transition for children who are entering a new foster home. Our goal is to offer items that a child entering foster care would either need or could find comfort in during those first 48 hours in care — you would be amazed what a fresh pair of jammies and a soft teddy bear can do for a child in crisis. Hope Packs also allow foster parents to focus solely on a child in those first crucial hours and days instead of rushing out to the store.

Hope Packs are distributed directly to CPS as well as to foster care agencies all over Central Texas. Since we became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in July 2016, more than 15,000 foster children have received our Hope Packs. If you’re thinking about making a Hope Pack, we hope you will. Please browse our supply lists to see the items needed to construct a pack.

Supply Lists

You can shop for Hope Pack items at any of your favorite retail stores.

Below is a list of the items we would like to have in your complete Hope Pack.

Austin Location

You can mail or drop off Hope Packs and most-needed items at

Carrying Hope
9600 Escarpment Blvd. Suite 745-239
Austin, TX 78749

OR
Bring them directly to our office at:

8711 Burnet Rd., Suite E-52
Austin, TX 78757

Current Office Hours:
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Houston Location

You can mail or drop off Hope Packs and most-needed items at

Carrying Hope
5318 Weslayan St., Unit #311,
Houston, TX 77005

OR
Bring them directly to our office at:

8556 Katy Freeway, Ste. 104
Houston, Tx 77024

Current Office Hours:

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Or email us at info@carryinghope.org to determine an alternate location.

Please remember donated items must be brand new, never used with tags still on and all of the items in the bag should be for the same age/size/gender of the child indicated on the list.

Masculine

Newborn
  • 1 gender neutral diaper bag/backpack large enough to contain the following items:
  • 1 can (12.5 ounce) infant powder formula such as Enfamil, Similac® or Earth’s Best Organic
  • 1 pack of newborn diapers
  • 1 pack of sensitive baby wipes
  • 1-2 receiving blankets
  • 1 set of newborn pacifiers
  • 1 newborn gown or pajamas
  • 1 newborn onesie/outfit
  • 1 newborn bottle set (with slow flow nipple)
3- To 6-Months Old
  • 1 gender neutral diaper bag large enough to contain the following items…
  • 1 can (12.5 ounce) infant powder formula such as Enfamil, Similac® or Earth’s Best Organic
  • 1 pack of diapers (Size 2 or Size 3)
  • 1 pack of baby wipes
  • 1-2 receiving blankets
  • 1 set of pacifiers
  • 1 set of pajamas (3-6 months)
  • 1 onesie/outfit (3-6 months)
  • 1 bottle set
6- To 12-Months Old
  • 1 gender neutral diaper bag large enough to contain the following items…
  • 1 can (12.5 ounce) infant powder formula such as Enfamil, Similac® or Earth’s Best Organic
  • 1 pack of diapers (Size 2 or Size 3)
  • 1 pack of baby wipes
  • 1-2 receiving blankets
  • 1 set of pacifiers
  • 1 set of pajamas (6-12 months)
  • 1 onesie/outfit (6-12 months)
  • 1 bottle set
1 year old
  • 1 diaper bag, child’s duffel bag or child’s backpack containing:
  • 1 pack of diapers (size 3 or 4)
  • 1 package baby wipes
  • 1 baby blanket/lovey
  • 1 soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set pacifiers
  • 1 set pajamas (size 12 months or 18 months)
  • 1 girls outfit (size 12 months or 18 months)
  • 1-2 bedtime or picture books
  • 1 sippy cup
  • 1-2 pair socks
18-month-old
  • 1 diaper bag, child’s duffel bag or child’s backpack containing:
  • 1 pack of diapers (size 3 or 4)
  • 1 package baby wipes
  • 1 baby blanket/lovey
  • 1 soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set pacifiers
  • 1 set pajamas (size 18 months)
  • 1 girls outfit (size 18 months)
  • 1-2 bedtime or picture books
  • 1 sippy cup
  • 1-2 pair socks
2 Years Old
  • Small boys backpack containing:
  • 1 small package Size 4 or 5 diapers
  • 1 package of baby wipes
  • 1 baby blanket/lovey
  • 1 soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set 2T boys pajamas
  • 1 size 2T boys outfit (shorts/t-shirt)
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1-2 bedtime or picture books
  • 1 toddler toothbrush/toothpaste set
3 Years Old
  • 1 boys backpack containing:
  • 1 pack 3T pull-ups
  • 1 pack 3T underwear
  • 1 pack baby wipes
  • 1 comfort item (lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal)
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Thomas, trucks, Disney Planes/Cars)
  • 1 set 3T boys pajamas
  • 1 3T boys outfit
  • 1-2 bedtime or picture books
  • 1 toddler toothbrush/toothpaste travel set
  • 1-2 pair socks
4 Years Old
  • 1 boys backpack containing:
  • 1 pack 4T undies
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1 comfort item (lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal)
  • 1 set 4T boys pajamas
  • 1 size 4T boys outfit (play clothes/shorts/t-shirt)
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 bedtime or story books
  • 1 flashlight
  • 1 nightlight
  • coloring book and small pkg. crayons
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (small Disney Car/Planes, trucks, Play-Doh, blocks, etc.)
5 to 6 Years Old
  • 1 boys backpack containing:
  • 1 package of size 6 undies
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1 comfort item lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (small LEGO set, superhero, etc.)
  • 1 set boys pajamas (size 6 or S)
  • 1 boys outfit (shorts/t-shirt), Size 6 or Small
  • 1 hairbrush/Comb
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 bedtime or story books
  • 1 flashlight
  • 1 nightlight
  • Coloring book with crayons OR travel-size game/cards OR art activity
7 to 8 Years Old
  • 1 boys backpack containing:
  • 1 package of size 8 undies
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (LEGOs, Minecraft figures, Star Wars, etc.)
  • 1 comfort item lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set boys pajamas (size 8 or M)
  • 1 boys outfit (shorts/t-shirt) Size 8 or M
  • 1 hairbrush/Comb
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 bedtime or story books or chapter book
  • 1 flashlight
  • 1 nightlight
  • Coloring book with crayons OR travel-size game/cards OR art activity
9 to 10 Years Old
  • 1 boys backpack containing:
  • 1 package of size 10 undies
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (LEGOs, Minecraft figures, Star Wars, etc.)
  • 1 comfort item lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set pajamas (size 10 or L)
  • 1 boys outfit (shorts/t-shirt) Size 10 or L
  • 1 hairbrush/Comb
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 bedtime books or chapter books
  • 1 flashlight
  • 1 nightlight
  • Coloring book with crayons OR travel-size game/cards OR art activity
11 to 12 Years Old
  • 1 boys backpack containing:
  • 1 package of size M (10-12) underwear
  • 1-2 pair socks size M
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (LEGOs, Minecraft figures, Star Wars, etc.)
  • 1 set pajamas (size 12 or L)
  • 1 boys outfit (shorts/athletic pants and t-shirt) Size 12 or L
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 age-appropriate chapter books
  • 1 flashlight
  • Toiletries including body wash, shampoo, deodorant, lotion and/or body spray
  • Hairbrush/comb set
  • 1 soft stuffed animal
TEENS (13-18 YEARS OLD)

Teen Hope Packs are based by size and our sizing needs range from Youth L (12-14) and XL (14-16) to Adult XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and Plus-size. Please ensure all underwear, socks and clothing in each Hope Pack are all the same size. We will tag each Teen Hope Pack based on the size of the clothing/underwear inside it.

  • 1 boys backpack containing:
  • 1 package of underwear
  • 1-2 pair socks 
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (LEGOs, Minecraft figures, Star Wars, etc.)
  • 1 set pajamas/sleepwear or comfortable athletic wear
  • 1 boys outfit (shorts/athletic pants and t-shirt)
  • 1 toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 age-appropriate chapter books
  • 1 flashlight
  • Toiletries including body wash, shampoo, deodorant, lotion and/or body spray
  • Hairbrush/comb set
  • 1 activity such as MadLibs, cards, sketch pad, Rubik’s cube, etc.

Feminine

Newborn
  • 1 gender neutral diaper bag/backpack large enough to contain the following items:
  • 1 can (12.5 ounce) infant powder formula such as Enfamil, Similac® or Earth’s Best Organic
  • 1 pack of newborn diapers
  • 1 pack of sensitive baby wipes
  • 1-2 receiving blankets
  • 1 set of newborn pacifiers
  • 1 newborn gown or pajamas
  • 1 newborn onesie/outfit
  • 1 newborn bottle set (with slow flow nipple)
3- To 6-Months Old
  • 1 gender neutral diaper bag large enough to contain the following items…
  • 1 can (12.5 ounce) infant powder formula such as Enfamil, Similac® or Earth’s Best Organic
  • 1 pack of diapers (Size 2 or Size 3)
  • 1 pack of baby wipes
  • 1-2 receiving blankets
  • 1 set of pacifiers
  • 1 set of pajamas (3-6 months)
  • 1 onesie/outfit (3-6 months)
  • 1 bottle set
6- To 12-Months Old
  • 1 gender neutral diaper bag large enough to contain the following items…
  • 1 can (12.5 ounce) infant powder formula such as Enfamil, Similac® or Earth’s Best Organic
  • 1 pack of diapers (Size 2 or Size 3)
  • 1 pack of baby wipes
  • 1-2 receiving blankets
  • 1 set of pacifiers
  • 1 set of pajamas (6-12 months)
  • 1 onesie/outfit (6-12 months)
  • 1 bottle set
1 year old
  • 1 diaper bag, child’s duffel bag or child’s backpack containing:
  • 1 pack of diapers (size 3 or 4)
  • 1 package baby wipes
  • 1 baby blanket/lovey
  • 1 soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set pacifiers
  • 1 set pajamas (size 12 months or 18 months)
  • 1 girls outfit (size 12 months or 18 months)
  • 1-2 bedtime or picture books
  • 1 sippy cup
  • 1-2 pair socks
18-month-old
  • 1 diaper bag, child’s duffel bag or child’s backpack containing:
  • 1 pack of diapers (size 3 or 4)
  • 1 package baby wipes
  • 1 baby blanket/lovey
  • 1 soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set pacifiers
  • 1 set pajamas (size 18 months)
  • 1 girls outfit (size 18 months)
  • 1-2 bedtime or picture books
  • 1 sippy cup
  • 1-2 pair socks
2 Years Old
  • Small girls backpack containing:
  • 1 small package Size 4 or 5 diapers
  • 1 package of baby wipes
  • 1 baby blanket/lovey
  • 1 soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set 2T girls pajamas
  • 1 size 2T girls outfit (shorts/t-shirt or comfortable dress)
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1-2 bedtime or picture books
  • 1 toddler toothbrush/toothpaste set
3 Years Old
  • 1 girls backpack containing:
  • 1 pack 3T pull-ups
  • 1 pack 3T underwear
  • 1 pack baby wipes
  • 1 comfort item (lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal)
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Sofia the First, Disney princess)
  • 1 set 3T girls pajamas
  • 1 3T girls outfit
  • 1-2 bedtime or picture books
  • 1 toddler toothbrush/toothpaste travel set
  • 1 hairbrush with barrettes or hair ties
  • 1-2 pair socks
4 Years Old
  • 1 girls backpack
  • 1 package of 4T undies
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1 comfort item (lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal)
  • 1 set 4T girls pajamas
  • 1 size 4T girls outfit (shorts/t-shirt or comfortable dress)
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 bedtime or story books
  • 1 flashlight
  • 1 nightlight
  • coloring book and small pkg. crayons
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (baby doll/accessories, blocks, Play-Doh, Disney princess)
  • 1 hairbrush with barrettes or hair ties
5 to 6 Years Old
  • 1 girls backpack containing:
  • 1 package of size 6 undies
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1 comfort item lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (Shopkins, Littlest Pet Shop, LEGO Friends, etc.)
  • 1 set girls pajamas (size 6 or S)
  • 1 girls outfit, Size 6 or Small
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 bedtime or story books
  • 1 flashlight
  • 1 nightlight
  • coloring book with crayons OR travel-size game/cards OR art activity
  • Hairbrush with barrettes or hair ties
7 to 8 Years Old
  • 1 girls backpack containing:
  • 1 package of size 8 undies
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (Shopkins, Littlest Pet Shop, LEGO Friends, craft kits, etc.)
  • 1 comfort item lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set girls pajamas (size 8 or M)
  • 1 girls outfit (shorts/t-shirt) Size 8 or M
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1 hairbrush with barrettes or hair ties
  • 1-2 bedtime or story books or chapter book
  • 1 flashlight
  • 1 nightlight
  • Coloring book with crayons OR travel-size game/cards OR art activity
9 to 10 Years Old
  • 1 girls backpack containing:
  • 1 package of size 10 undies
  • 1-2 pair socks
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (necklace/bracelet making kit, craft kit, games)
  • 1 comfort item lovey/blanket/soft stuffed animal
  • 1 set girls pajamas (size 10 or L)
  • 1 girls outfit (shorts/t-shirt) Size 10 or L
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1 hairbrush with barrettes or hair ties
  • 1-2 bedtime books or chapter books
  • 1 flashlight
  • 1 nightlight
  • Coloring book with crayons OR travel-size game/cards OR art activity
11 to 12 Years Old
  • 1 girls backpack containing:
  • 1 package of size L (10-12) underwear
  • 1-2 pair socks size L
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (necklace/bracelet making kit, craft kit, games)
  • 1 set pajamas (size 12 or L)
  • 1-2 cami or sports bra, size girls 11/12
  • 1 girls outfit (shorts/jeans and t-shirt/blouse) Size 12 or L
  • 1 kids toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 age-appropriate chapter books
  • 1 flashlight
  • Toiletries including body wash, shampoo, deodorant, lotion and/or body spray
  • Hairbrush/comb set and hair ties
  • 1 soft stuffed animal
  • Feminine hygiene products
TEENS (13-18 YEARS OLD)

Teen Hope Packs are based by size and our sizing needs range from Youth L (12-14) and XL (14-16) to Adult XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and Plus-size. Please ensure all underwear, socks and clothing in each Hope Pack are all the same size. We will tag each Teen Hope Pack based on the size of the clothing/underwear inside it.

  • 1 girls backpack containing:
  • 1 package of underwear
  • 1-2 pair socks size 
  • 1 age-appropriate toy (necklace/bracelet making kit, craft kit, games)
  • 1 set pajamas/sleepwear or comfortable athletic/loungewear
  • 1 girls outfit (shorts/jeans/pants and t-shirt/top) 
  • 1 toothbrush/toothpaste travel pack
  • 1-2 age-appropriate chapter books
  • 1 flashlight
  • Toiletries including body wash, shampoo, deodorant, lotion and/or body spray
  • Hairbrush/comb set and hair ties
  • 1-2 cami or sports bra
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • 1 activity such as MadLibs, cards, sketch pad, Rubik’s cube, etc.
Gender Neutral

Books (all-ages), Underwear for girls and boys, Flashlights, Nightlights, Feminine Products, and Stuffed Animals. Everything must be new and in package or with tags.

Baby:

  • Diapers, any size 0-5 (small pack)
  • Wipes (small pack)
  • Formula (box of single-serve packets or small can)
  • Small bottle set (includes one or two bottles)
  • Pacifiers
  • Pull-ups, boys or girls size 3T-4T (small pack)
  • Soft blankets (boy, girl or gender neutral)
  • Receiving blankets (small pack)

Clothes:

  • Onesies and jammies, boy or girl ages 0-18 months
  • Jammies, boy or girl, any age 2- to 16-year-old
  • Outfits, boy or girl, any age 2- to 16-year-old
  • Boys and girls underwear packs, any age between 3-year-old and 16-year-old
  • Socks, any age between 3-year-old and 16-year-old

Plush Animals/Toys:

  • Soft stuffed animals (8″ – 12″)
  • Small toddler girl toys (Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Sofia the First, Disney princess, etc.)
  • Small toddler boy toys (Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Thomas, trucks, Disney Planes/Cars, etc.)
  • Small boys toys (Legos, small Disney Car/Planes, trucks, Play-Doh, superheroes, etc.)
  • Small girls toys (baby doll/accessories, Play-Doh, Disney princess, Shopkins, Littlest Pet Shop, LEGO Friends, etc.)
  • Tween/teen girl toys and activities (necklace/bracelet making kit, craft kit, games, etc.)
  • Tween/teen boy toys and activities (LEGOs, Minecraft figures, Star Wars, etc.)

Books:

  • Books for any age 1-16 (board books, nighttime books, early readers, tween/teen options, etc.)

Other:

  • Travel-size toiletries for teen boys or girls (body wash, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, body spray, etc.)
  • Flashlights
  • Nightlights
  • Amazon, Target and Walmart gift cards

Gender-Inclusive Hope Packs

Carrying Hope strives to ensure that our Hope Packs contain a range of items that reflect the diversity and interests of the children we serve, including those who are part of the LGBTQ community. Want to make a gender-inclusive Hope Pack? Purchase items from our Inclusive Wishlist or swap gender-specific items for gender-neutral items in any age Hope Pack.  

Shop Inclusive Wish List

Donate Most-Needed Items

You can support Carrying Hope by organizing a drive to collect our most-needed items such as new pajamas, new toys or new books. You can also order Carrying Hope's most-needed items and have them shipped directly to us using our Amazon lists below. 

Most-Needed Items

Baby:

  • Diapers, any size 0-5 (small pack)
  • Wipes (small pack)
  • Formula (box of single-serve packets or small can)
  • Small bottle set (includes one or two bottles)
  • Pacifiers
  • Pull-ups, boys or girls size 3T-4T (small pack)
  • Soft blankets (boy, girl or gender neutral)
  • Receiving blankets (small pack)

Clothes:

  • Onesies and jammies, boy or girl ages 0-18 months
  • Jammies, boy or girl, any age 2- to 16-year-old
  • Outfits, boy or girl, any age 2- to 16-year-old
  • Boys and girls underwear packs, any age between 3-year-old and 16-year-old
  • Socks, any age between 3-year-old and 16-year-old

Plush Animals/Toys:

  • Soft stuffed animals (8″ – 12″)
  • Small toddler girl toys (Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Sofia the First, Disney princess, etc.)
  • Small toddler boy toys (Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger, Thomas, trucks, Disney Planes/Cars, etc.)
  • Small boys toys (Legos, small Disney Car/Planes, trucks, Play-Doh, superheroes, etc.)
  • Small girls toys (baby doll/accessories, Play-Doh, Disney princess, Shopkins, Littlest Pet Shop, LEGO Friends, etc.)
  • Tween/teen girl toys and activities (necklace/bracelet making kit, craft kit, games, etc.)
  • Tween/teen boy toys and activities (LEGOs, Minecraft figures, Star Wars, etc.)

Books:

  • Books for any age 1-16 (board books, nighttime books, early readers, tween/teen options, etc.)

Other:

  • Travel-size toiletries for teen boys or girls (body wash, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, body spray, etc.)
  • Flashlights
  • Nightlights
  • Amazon, Target and Walmart gift cards
Shop Most-Needed Items Wish List
Shop Houston Wish List
Shop Inclusive Wish List
Shop Hope's Home Wish List

Baby Pack

Child Pack

Teen Pack

Sibling Set of 3 Hope Packs

Set of 10 Hope Packs

Short on Time?

Purchase A Hope Pack

Every pack is brimming with adorable comfort items and essentials for a child entering the foster care system, providing them with some much-needed comfort and hope in a moment of crisis.

Learn how to get involved

We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers and supporters! From making a Hope Pack with your kids to hosting a drive with your office to being a sponsor of our annual gala, there are lots of ways to get involved with Carrying Hope. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Make A Donation

Mission Impact

Carrying Hope's mission is to improve the lives of youth and families who have been impacted by the foster care system through resources, support services, housing, and enrichment opportunities. Since we were founded in 2016, we have distributed more than 22,000 Hope Packs to CPS and foster care agencies across Texas. 

Hope Pack Distributions YOY
  • 550 Hope Packs in 2016
  • 1200 Hope Packs in 2017
  • 1563 Hope Packs in 2018
  • 2700 Hope Packs in 2019
  • 4010 Hope Packs in 2020
  • 5000 Hope Packs in 2021
  • 6000 Hope Packs in 2022

Hope Packs Distributed to Children in Foster Care

Hope Packs Distributed Every Day in 2023

$ Spent Directly on Foster Care Children

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