Packing Suitcases and Hope, Volunteers Will Show Support for Local Foster Kids

For many foster children, moving from one home to another means stuffing their belongings in trash bags. But this Sunday, a group of compassionate volunteers in Pasadena will change that. They will fill hundreds of suitcases with essential items and personal notes, giving the kids a sense of belonging and hope.

In the process, they’re also packing dignity and hope.

The event, called Case For Character, is organized by Forever Kids, a nonprofit that aims to empower foster children and orphans around the world. It will take place at the Philoptochos Society of Saint Anthony’s, a Greek Orthodox church that has been serving the community since 1956.

From noon to 2 p.m., anyone can join the effort and help pack the suitcases, which will be distributed to local foster agencies and shelters.

Each suitcase will contain toiletries, clothing, books, toys, and a handwritten letter of encouragement from the volunteer. The goal is to reach 200 suitcases, enough to make a difference in the lives of many foster children in the area.

“Forever Kids is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to impact children, youth, and families with foundational values that can help them transform their lives in body, mind, and spirit,” Tony Salerno, Forever Kids founder, said. “We work with families, schools, youth providers, and many other organizations to introduce foundational principles and values to youth through engaging and captivating books, music, and lessons that will help them build successful lives.”

Forever Kids started in 2004 when Tony and Kathy Salerno saw the challenges faced by families: rising costs of living, escalating housing prices, unemployment, war, political strife, domestic violence, abuse, and poverty. Amidst all the hardship, the couple saw that glimmers of light and hope that emerged among children can be traced back to core character traits like kindness, humility, forgiveness, dependability, honesty, justice, patience, and vigilance.

“Without these traits, people were lost,” Tony Salerno said. “With those traits – even in the darkest moments – there was hope and connectedness.”

Since its inception, Forever Kids has been dedicated to nurturing essential character traits in children, recognizing them as the building blocks of a better society. The Case for Character program started in 2014 in response to the stark reality faced by foster children, many of whom endure multiple moves – with only a trash bag to carry their belongings.

“These precious children are often left feeling worthless, abandoned, and lost – like trash,” Salerno said. “We felt this was a tragedy, so we started Case for Character to provide brand-new suitcases for these foster kids and get rid of the trash bags.”

Suitcases that are given out to foster kids are often packed with books and music selections based on foundational values, along with other meaningful items. Suitcase packing events, which have taken place in many places across Southern California, have had a great impact, not only in the fact that thousands of foster kids are now carrying their precious belongings in a permanent suitcase but also in the connection between the sponsors and the agencies, Salerno said.

Salerno tells of one summer when Forever Kids delivered 94 suitcases to a camp for foster kids. All 94 kids arrived at the camp with a trash bag; all 94 returned “home” with a brand-new suitcase.

“The camp director told us that after the foster kids received their suitcases, they wheeled them behind them everywhere they went – to the swimming pool, to the cafeteria, etc.,” he said. “The kids finally had something that belonged to them, and they didn’t want to lose this new treasured home for their belongings.”

Local businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to join the cause by sponsoring packing or contributing to the purchase of suitcases. Donations to the program directly support the procurement of suitcases, each valued at $150, and with character-building materials to empower foster children.

To get involved or make a contribution, contact Forever Kids at (626) 331-3495 or email info@foreverkids.org.

For more information, visit www.foreverkids.org.