Imagine a child being awakened in the middle of the night or withdrawn from daycare by complete strangers! A stranger unknown to the child has stepped in to help care for and protect them. These children are young and can’t understand anything except that they are being taken away from mommy and daddy. On top of the separation, they cannot gather any of their personal or sentimental belongings without a clue of when they will see anything or anyone familiar again. Now, stop imagining and understand that this is the reality for hundreds of children in Georgia’s foster care system.
These children are sometimes taken from their families with nothing to remind them of home or the only place they know. Now they find themselves in the home of strangers, without a clue as to what’s going on. No family, no favorite items, and absolutely no familiarity. Now, as if they aren’t already embarrassed enough, they must rely completely on total strangers for the bare necessities of life like soaps, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, or even undergarments and clothing. They would probably rather go without it instead of asking or accepting these items that the foster parents most likely have available for them.
I know that there is nothing like having your things. It just makes life a little easier. These small comforts can go a long way in this uncomfortable adjustment to a new home, new life, new family, and altogether the new normal. Treasure bags are a great way to find some independence and confidence in what appears to be a not-so-great situation. We hope to make a huge impact with a few simple yet valuable items.
How to help us “BURY A TREASURE” into the lives of children in Georgia’s foster care system
- DONATE GOODS
- DONATE MONETARILY
- ORGANIZE A DRIVE
- CARE PACKAGE COUNTER
- DONATE NOW
Donate using PayPal
Or prepare a bag on your own and bring it to us. Follow the few simple steps below.
STEP 1:
Purchase a solid color overnight, duffle, or book bag of your liking. We provide a lock and key to the children to make it feel like a true “Treasure” to the child, and this allows for inspection before the “Treasure Bag” is given to the child, and it also allows the child to continue to use it for storage of their belongings.
STEP 2:
Select if you want to pack a “Treasure Bag” for a boy or a girl. You may also create a unisex “Treasure Bag” containing items appropriate for either gender.
STEP 3:
Select an age category
0-24 months.
2-4 years old.
5-9 years old.
10-14 years old.
15-18 years old.
18-21 years old.
STEP 4:
Fill your “Treasure Bag” with items from the suggestion lists below. We recommend 2-3 clothing items, 2-3 hygiene items, 1-2 books or school supplies, or 1-2 toys or bottles, bibs and teethers, etc., depending on the age category of your choice.
STEP 5:
Check out our Events page to find information regarding ongoing donation drives or upcoming events. Or Contact Southern Cities Residential and family services to arrange to pick up or deliver.
SUGGESTED ITEMS
Hygiene items include:
- toothbrushes
- toothpaste
- brushes
- combs
- deodorant
- lotion
- shampoo
- conditioner
- face soap
- bath loofah
- wash clothes
- floss
- or body wash.
Please only new UNOPENED hygiene items. New and GENTLY used toys such as balls, yoyos, dolls, play dough, jump ropes, toy cars, or stuffed animals. School supplies are appropriate for the age of the “Treasure Bags.” This includes pencils, crayons, washable markers, watercolors, washable paint, colored pencils, a calculator, glue stick, stationary, or child-safe scissors.
Books, including reading books, sticker books, or coloring books. A child would enjoy stickers, crazy straws, jewelry, sunglasses, socks, hair clips, small picture frames, decks of cards, or headbands. Clothing items would fit a child of any body type/size in an age group. For example, hats, mittens, or socks. Please note we only accept new or GENTLY worn clothing items.
Feel free to include any item you feel is age appropriate for your selected age category and that you feel would bring a smile to a child’s face. Have fun being creative!
TIPS
- Don’t include anything damaged or breakable.
- Please do not include food items because children have various allergies and dietary needs.
- Look for low-cost items either on sale, at dollar stores, or in the dollar section of your favorite retail store.
- Look for items around your house you may otherwise discard. Please only UNOPENED hygiene items and gently used toys.
- Use travel sizes. These are generally cost-efficient and the perfect size for children.
- Please include batteries if any items require them.
- Do not include war-related items such as toy guns.
- Do not include items or materials associated with a specific religion, as we cannot predict the religion of the child receiving the care package.
Learn More
To learn more about our organization and how you can help, please feel free to contact us.