Wisconsin CASA launches 'My Stuff, My Bag' initiative for children in foster care

GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Court Appointed Special Advocates Association has initiated the "My Stuff, My Bag" program, aiming to provide comfort and dignity to children in the state's foster care and child welfare system.

This initiative involves distributing suitcases filled with essential items and toiletries to abused and neglected children, replacing the often-used plastic garbage bags for their belongings.

Melissa Michel, Interim Executive Director of WI CASA, emphasized the emotional impact of the program in a statement to the media.

"It's sad that so many children, who are in the legal system through no fault of their own, go to a relative’s or a foster home carrying their belongings in a plastic garbage bag," she said. "That’s why we started 'My Stuff, My Bag.'"

Since its inception, the program has provided hundreds of suitcases to Wisconsin children, yet Michel noted that the demand persists. "The sense of pride these children and youth have when they receive a new suitcase filled with items is amazing."

"They know someone cares. It gives them a sense of dignity."

The public can support the cause through the My Stuff, My Bag Amazon Wish List, which includes items such as small suitcases, pajamas and toys. These items can be directly purchased and shipped to the Wisconsin CASA offices.

For those interested in contributing to the program, visit the Wisconsin CASA website and click on the My Stuff, My Bag tab to access the Amazon Wish List.

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