SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Unclaimed Baggage is currently hosting their Labor Day event. Displayed at the shop is their "Love Luggage" campaign. There are around 6,000 children in Alabama Foster Care. Of that number, just under 450 are in Madison County. The transition into a new home is more difficult without a suitcase.
"So many children in the foster care system have to carry their items in black trash bags, which is just a heartbreaking message to hear," said Sonni Hood, Senior Manager of PR and Communications for Unclaimed Baggage. "I feel like they really need something to put their stuff in, because not that many foster children get that," said Unclaimed Baggage Team Member Shalma Haumatus.
There's an unfortunate underlying message for the kids who have to use trash bags as baggage. Hood said, "No matter what is happening at home, that's still mom and dad. That is their home and they're being pulled out. They're being tossed away and so there's already that feeling of being disposable."
Hard-cased suitcases are used for Unclaimed Baggage's "Love Luggage" campaign, which are provided to local foster children.
These bags are also painted by anyone in the community who wants to. Haumatus wanted to make a painting relatable to the kids in need. "I know how much they enjoy cartoons, and I was like, I want to do something fun," said Haumatus.
This campaign also helps parents who need to act on their feet when receiving a new foster child. Many Love Luggage's also come with a first day bag, filled with first day essentials to help lessen the burden on the foster children and parent. "There are many times that a foster parent might receive a call and they have to be ready in a second to accept a child coming in to their new home," said Hood.
Those who paint and volunteer their time leave feeling they've helped a child in need of a new suitcase. "I just really think that it's an amazing opportunity for us to do something amazing for the kids because they really deserve it," said Hood.
Unclaimed Baggage is hosting their Labor Day event until Monday, September 2nd, 2024.