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My Stuff Bags Foundation Receives
C.
Charles Jackson Foundation Grant
Both Organizations Have a Commitment to the Well Being of Children of all Ages
Westlake Village, Calif. – April 15, 2007
Westlake Village, Calif. –April 15, 2007 – My Stuff Bags Foundation,
a nonprofit organization that provides duffel bags filled with new
belongings to abused, neglected and abandoned children who often
enter crisis shelters with nothing of their own, has received a
$6000 grant from the C. Charles Jackson Foundation for its “2007
Minnesota My Stuff Bags Project.” More than 10,000 children must be
rescued from abuse each year in Minnesota; they often have no
possessions.
The C. Charles Jackson Foundation’s mission is to advance and
support the development of human growth and potential through
leadership, character, and life-skills training.
The grant allowed the My Stuff Bags Foundation to cover the hard
costs of nearly $10 each for 600 My Stuff Bags for children in
Minnesota. Volunteers stuff the bags with new children’s items
donated by supporters all across America, bringing the value of a
finished bag to over $75. The My Stuff Bags Foundation seeks
additional funding and donated items so that all children entering
care with no belongings can benefit from receiving bags.
My Stuff Bags was launched in 1998 to address some of the immediate
physical and emotional needs of children suffering from abuse and
neglect. So far, the nonprofit has donated 300,000 bags to children
from newborn to 18 years of age; 11,000 of these have been given to
Minnesota children in 23 organizations across the state. The bags
contain essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste, hairbrushes,
toys, stuffed animals, clothing, books, games, school supplies, and
one of the most comforting and important items, a cuddly blanket,
often made by volunteers.
“We are so grateful to the C. Charles Jackson Foundation for this
important grant which allows us to help 600 rescued children in
Minnesota,” says Janeen Holmes, president and CEO. “Imagine going
from a dangerous home environment to a police car or social worker’s
vehicle with only the clothes on your back. Thanks to the C. Charles
Jackson Foundation, we are able to distribute My Stuff Bags filled
with necessities and a message of hope for children in crisis
situations. Now children have something that says, ‘We care about
you.” Bruce H. Jackson, the Director of the C. Charles Jackson
Foundation adds “Part of helping children begin the process of
self-development and growth is giving them a stable place to start
this process. Janeen and her team play an important role in helping
these challenged kids get back on their feet again.”
So far, the following Minnesota organizations have received bags
through the “2007 Minnesota My Stuff Bags Project” for children in
crisis coming into their care this year: Minnesota Foster Care
Association, St. Joseph’s Home for Children, and the Otter Tail
County Foster Parent Association.
“Your duffle bags are filled with more than hygiene products, toys
and reading materials” Mary Schoelch of St. Joseph Home for Children
said to the My Stuff Bags Foundation. “For children who have been
abused, neglected and abandoned, they contain symbols of help, hope
and healing. The enhanced self-esteem contained in your bright blue
bags is a priceless commodity!”
My Stuff Bags Foundation serves children entering care in more than
1000 organizations in 49 states. According to Holmes, it is the
foundation’s way of wrapping its arms around these unfortunate
children. A national grass roots effort, the program is supported by
thousands of individuals, schools, churches and synagogues,
children’s groups, as well as foundations and corporations. “We have
both adults and kids volunteering every day to make blankets, sort
items and stuff bags,” says Holmes. “What we need just as much,
however, is money to purchase the duffels and ship filled bags, and
that’s where the C. Charles Jackson Foundation came in so that we
can serve even more kids in need.”
She adds, “You should see the look on a child’s face when they
receive a My Stuff Bag. The tears and sadness are replaced by big
smiles. Even if it is just for a little while, we know that we make
an impact on a desperately lonely child.”
For more information, to make a cash or item donation or to
volunteer, contact My Stuff Bags Foundation at 866-3MY-STUFF or
visit www.mystuffbags.org.
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