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Welcome Case

Providing foster children with a sense that they belong

 

How To Create A Welcome Case

1. Buy a piece of luggage or duffle bag

2. Fill item with the ESSENTIAL items from the list and  between 5 to 10 items from the EXTRAS list.

3. Include a handwritten note inside to encourage the child and remind them someone cares.

4. Place a tag  (shown below) that will inform the

Did you know...

That when a social worker arrives to pick up a foster child to move them to a new home, they bring a black, plastic trash bag for the child to put his or her possessions in?

Sometimes four to five bags will follow them around from home to home in foster care for years. The unfortunate reality is that agencies do not have the funding to provide alternative means like a suitcase.

Foster care children have few personal belongings. These kids usually own a couple outfits, some precious photographs, and a toy or two. When they move between families, foster kids are often forced to carry these keepsakes in plastic trash bags or grocery sacks slung awkwardly over their small shoulders. This sends a powerful, unspoken message to foster children, "You are trash and every-thing you own is trash." Imagine how this impacts a child and their self esteem.

We would like to give these kids a suitcase and something to call their own?
We know that this won't be enough but it will certainly be a start.

 

What’s In The Welcome Case?

Below is a guide for a Welcome Case. Please include everything listed under ESSENTIALS and 5-10 EXTRAS items and great CREATIVE!

Please do not include: breakable items, aerosol cans, mouthwash containing alcohol, razors, Swiss army knives, medication, vitamins or violent toys

 

Ages 2 - 4
ESSENTIALS

Linens, Pillow, Pillow Case Blanket, Towel, Two Non-Perishable Snacks (i.e. fruit snacks or crackers), Flashlight (please include batteries), Socks, Nightlight, Coloring Book and Crayons or Colored Pencils

EXTRAS
Toys :
Small Stuffed Animals, Cars, Small Doll, Harmonica, Slinky, Etch-A-Sketch
Arts & Crafts
: Stickers, Play Dough, Bubbles
Hygiene
: Brush, Comb, Child’s Body Wash, Band-Aids
Other
: Water Bottle, Sippy Cup, Hair Accessories, Sunglasses, Books

 

Ages 5 - 9
ESSENTIALS

Linens, Pillow, Pillow Case Blanket, Towel, Two Non-Perishable Snacks (i.e. fruit snacks or crackers), Flashlight (please include batteries), Socks, Nightlight, Underwear, Coloring Book and Crayons or Colored Pencils.

EXTRAS
Toys
: Small Stuffed Animals, Cars, Small Doll, Harmonica, Slinky, Etch-A-Sketch, Yo-Yo, Lego Set, Memory Playing Cards
Arts & Crafts
: Pens, Pencils, Pencil Sharpener, Stamps, Bead Set, Stickers, Play Dough, Bubbles
Hygiene
: Brush, Comb, Child’s Body Wash, Band-Aids, Chapstick
Other
: Water Bottle, Hair Accessories, Sunglasses, Scrapbook, Watch, Wallet, Purse, Books

 

Ages 10 - 12
ESSENTIALS
Linens, Pillow, Pillow Case Blanket, Towel, Two Non-Perishable Snacks (i.e. fruit snacks or crackers), Flashlight (please include batteries), Socks, Nightlight, Underwear, Gum and Journal or Drawing Pad


EXTRAS:
Toys : Playing Cards, Paper Airplane Kits, Etch-A-Sketch, Yo-Yo, Lego Set, Memory Playing Cards

Arts & Crafts :
Pens, Pencils, Pencil Sharpener, Stamps, Bead Set, Mad Lib, Word Search
Hygiene :
Brush, Comb, Body Bash, Band-Aids, Chapstick, Compact Mirror. Nail Polish and Travel Size Toiletries
Other :
Water Bottle, Hair Accessories, Sunglasses, Scrapbook, Watch, Wallet, Purse and Books

 

Ages 13 &Up
ESSENTIALS
Linens, Pillow, Pillow Case Blanket, Towel, Two Non-Perishable Snacks (i.e. fruit snacks or crackers), Flashlight (please include batteries), Socks, Nightlight, Underwear, Gum and Journal or Drawing Pad


EXTRAS
Toys
: Playing Cards, Ear Phones, Books
Arts & Crafts
:  Pens, Pencils, Pencil Sharpener, Stamps, Mad Lib, Word Search
Hygiene
: Brush, Comb, Body Wash, Band-Aids, Chapstick, Compact Mirror. Nail Polish and Travel Size Toiletries
Other
Water Bottle, Hair Accessories, Sunglasses, Scrapbook, Watch, Wallet, Purse, Flip Flops, Gift Card