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Duffle Bags for Foster Kids
Duffle Bags for Foster Kids
by Paula Kelly
News Journal, February 12, 2004
Kaitlin, 10, had been anticipating Workshop Week at the Newark Center for Creative Learning since the fall.That was when she had her first experience with learning to sew and cook in school. For several years, Kaitlin had heard about the workshop from her older sister, Stephanie, who also attended.
Having sampled this type of learning, Kaitlin was psyched for more. When the workshops were offered, Kaitlin readily signed up for cosmetology and jewelry-making. But it was her first choice of sewing duffel bags that really sparked her interest. Kaitlin enjoyed the skill but liked the idea that someone else would benefit from her work.
“I didn’t need all three workshops to be for me,” said Kaitlin of Newark.
Eleven girls in grades five through eight signed on for a 75-minute class in creativity and altruism all sewn into one as they made duffel bags for children in foster care for the Delaware Children’s Department in the Division of Family Services. Marilynn Magnani and Kate Kerrane taught the workshop.
“At NCCL we believe it is vitally important to involve students in projects that help people and organizations in the community,” Magnani said. “We want our students to realize that they can make a difference now and in the future when they are adults. The duffel bag project is a perfect fit for us because the people in need are children, and our students can identify with them.”
The cooperative, private school offers workshop week three times a year. Each session breaks classroom routine and allows students to explore, develop or sample new concepts or skills like clamation, woodworking or science classes.
For the sewing class, the girls pinned a rectangular pattern to the material, cut the pattern out, pinned again and sewed the bags. Final touches included attaching a strap, threading the drawstring and appliquéing a white patch on the inside of the bag. That patch would serve as a tag on which the recipients can write their name.
Kerrane borrowed the notion from her Quaker Friends’ Meeting group in New Jersey. The members originally bought backpacks and filled them with personal items for the children in foster care. After hearing that many of these children were using plastic garbage bags to carry their belongings, the Friends’ group altered their plan and started making their own duffel bags.
With six sewing machines, loads of donated fabric and a group of enthusiastic and mostly experienced sewers, Kerrane knew this was a can-do workshop for the students. The class was so popular that several children had to be turned away. Kerrane hopes the project will take off and extend into an after-school club.
Anna, 14, from Hockessin, thought she could turn out three duffel bags by the end of the week. She was also thinking about what to stuff inside the fabric carriers. Anna originally thought she would place a stuffed animal into the bag but was leaning toward more essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush.
“I have a lot of things in my life and I’m very privileged,” Anna said, “so I like to help out the people that don’t have that opportunity.”Kiya Crippen, the DFS’ volunteer coordinator, spoke to the group on Tuesday about foster care. She challenged the youngsters to imagine what it would be like to be one of the 700 children sitting in their home and watching television when someone comes inside and announces the child must leave immediately and stay somewhere else for a while.
Instant removal usually prohibits the children from taking much if any of their belongings, she said, especially items you might take on a sleepover like a toothbrush, hairbrush, and other personal care items. The duffel bags would provide a means for these kids to take some of their belongings.
Fourteen-year-old Elle of Newark said her mother has been talking about either adopting or sharing their home with a child who needs foster care. She said she has read some of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books that contain many entries from children in foster care. The readings have given her a sense of how these children feel about their situation. After listening to Crippen, Elle felt more strongly about foster care and planned to encourage her mother to follow through with the idea.
Shana, 11, signed up for the workshop because she thought it would be fun and a way to help people. Shana said that if she received one of those duffel bags it would show her that someone cared about her.
The girls have given a lot of thought as to what should go into the bags, Kerrane said. They have included journals, jewelry, soap, shampoo, cards, games and nail polish.
This program can benefit all the kids statewide,” Crippen said. “It’s always great when kids help kids. When kids understand that other kids’ families are having problems, then it’s good for our state.”
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