Duffel Bags for Kids in Crisis

MILWAUKEE-- An organization in Racine is making a difference in the life of kids who are entering the foster care system for being neglected, abandoned, and abused. 

The organization is called Hope Faith and Love and  it collects donations of comfort and personal items and places them in duffel bags. The bags are then distributed to local agencies who work with children in the Foster Care system.



Heather Lojeski and her husband started the non-profit in 2013 after being foster parents themselves and realizing there was a big need.



\"As a foster mom, there were times when we would see them come in with a trash bag... and it's all they have and most of the time the items don't fit or they are wore out and so we want to give our kids something they can call their own, \" said Lojeski.



In the duffel bags, they include a fleece blanket, a stuffed animal, persona hygiene items like shampoo, toothpaste, etc.



All of the items are kept in the basement of the Living Light Community Center in Racine and it's Lojeski's children, all 10 of them, who help with the distribution process.



In 2013, they gave out 500 bags  but their goal is to give out 1,000 bags next year. They also hope to soon expand to the Kenosha area.



For Lojeski, it's important to make a difference in the life of these children.



\"What I went through as a child impacted me and there were certain key individuals who did certain acts of kindness who made a difference in my life and helped me become who I am. I want to be able to do the same thing for children in our community and make that same impact, \" Lojeski said.



For more information about Hope Faith and Love and how you can donate items, visit their website: Faith Hope and Love