Why Duffel Bags Matter
It's more than a bag.
A duffel bag may seem like a small thing.
But for a child entering foster care, small things can carry a lot of meaning.
Entering foster care often happens suddenly. A child may leave behind their home, familiar surroundings, and the people and routines they know. With little time to prepare, their belongings may be gathered into whatever is available—including plastic trash bags.
For young people who have experienced foster care, that can send a painful message.
In a recent Forever Family story on CBS12 News, former foster youth Sofia spoke about the importance of replacing trash bags with real luggage. She explained that children shouldn't have to place belongings that matter to them into something meant for garbage. Her story highlights something easy to overlook: how a child carries their belongings can affect the dignity of an already difficult transition.
Florida lawmakers have recognized the issue as well.
In 2026, the Fostering with Dignity Act was introduced in the Florida Legislature. The proposed legislation would have required the Department of Children and Families to provide suitable luggage—including duffel bags, suitcases, and backpacks—to children entering out-of-home care or changing placements. The legislation ultimately did not pass.
But children are still making these transitions.
At FosterJoy, we believe our community doesn't have to wait to respond.
The clothes, toys, books, and keepsakes children bring with them are more than just things. They can be pieces of home, reminders of familiar moments, and some of the few possessions they can call their own during an uncertain time.
That's why FosterJoy provides new duffel bags to children experiencing foster care.
A duffel bag won't take away the uncertainty of leaving home. It won't make a difficult transition easy. But it can provide something simple and meaningful: a place for a child to carry what belongs to them with dignity.
It's more than a bag. It's a reminder: your belongings matter. And so do you.
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