A Case for Belonging

by Ariana Boyce

Comfort Cases is a program dedicated to helping children entering foster care all across the United States. In West Virginia alone, there are around 5,040 children in foster care. There are an additional 2,170 children in emergency care.

Comfort Cases have the mission, “Every child has the right to a more humane experience in foster care, and that starts by providing them with a case for belongings instead of a trash bag.”

The Mid-Ohio Valley has teamed up with Comfort Cases in order to provide comfort and support to children entering the foster care system. On Oct. 26, there will be a donation drive for these foster children at WVU Parkersburg. The event will be located at the College Activies Center. The drive will start at 10 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. This donation drive will help the foster care children through the Children’s Homes Society of WV, KVC WV and Blue Prints (formerly Try-Again Homes) in eight counties: Wood, Wirt, Ritchie, Pleasants, Calhoun, Roane, Jackson and Kanawha.

If you would like to be apart of this special event, here is a list of items that are welcome for donation.

Children under 10:

• A small duffle bag or backpack
• Pajamas (newborn to nine-years-old)
• Small fleece blanket
• Youth toothpaste and toothbrush
• Shampoo/ conditioner/ body wash/ lotion
• Stuffed animal
• Children’s books
• Coloring books/ crayons

Children over 10:

• Small duffle bag or backpack
• Pajamas (child size 10 to adult XXL)
• Small fleece blanket
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Shampoo/ conditioner/ body wash/ lotion/ deodorant
• Stuffed animal
• Books to read
• Journal/ pens/ pencils

Comfort cases will need 244 cases donated to reach their goal. Items must be new with tags and packaging, but books can be gently used. Razors, pencil sharpeners, mouthwash, hairbrushes, underwear or socks not allowed. Donations can be brought to the donation drive, collected in donation bins at WVU Parkersburg or arrangements to drop off or collect can be made.

For more information, contact Emily Perdue at 304-699-9392, or visit the MOV Comfort Cases Donation Drive Facebook page.