Foster parents, supporters donate and organize 'Go Bags' for children in need

May 1, 2017

When a child comes into the care of Richland County Children Services, it's nice to have things that belong just to them.

That's the drive behind an effort by local foster mom Deanna Mack, who organized an event recently at Richland County Children Services during which 122 bags were stuffed with items and readied for children who often have to leave home on short notice.

"Becoming foster parents has been the dream of my husband, John, and I since we were dating," Mack said. "So this has become our rhythm of life, saying 'yes' to just about every placement that came our way, and even seeking out placements that didn't initially come our way."

Mack and her family, along with two other foster families, volunteers from their church and community, brought to the public child welfare agency more than 50 such bags a few months ago.

"The 'Go Bags' were nice for kids coming into care. They had what they needed: soap, toothbrush, a bag to carry their belongings, a toy, stuffed animal and a blanket at the least," Mack said.

"We analyzed what the foster parents and kids in care would need to get them through the first couple of days to determine what to include in each age group," she said.

Mack posted about the ongoing effort on social media and said word spread quickly.

"Many people spoke up about wanting to help and be a part of the project. I did not solicit for the project, but still it caught on like wildfire!" Mack said. "Many people care about children, but not everyone is meant to be a foster parent. This is one way people can invest and answer the call of God to love your neighbor and care for the least of these."

The "Go Bags" project has grown to about 155 members and about 35 active participants.

Julie Kleshinski, executive director of Richland County Children's Auxiliary/The New Store, came on board recently.

"Julie asked what was our greatest need to keep the project going," Mack said. "The price of the size of bags we wanted for the different age ranges (was not cheap), so bags it was. It was a blessing to be only be concerned with the contents.

"My last count of items was 1,800 and still people brought supplies the day of assembling," Mack said.

The supplies were divided into four age-specific groups: infant/toddler, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten through third grade, and fourth-grade through high school.

Nearly two dozen people, including Richland County Children Services employees, gathered at the agency on Saturday morning to assemble the bags.

"In addition to the New Store, our team consists of foster parents, family, friends, members of Crossroads Community Church, Mansfield City School teachers, Faith United Methodist Women, Reaching Out, Kroger on Lexington Avenue, Drs. Heringhaus Dentistry, and complete strangers all coming together to shine a light of love for a bright future for children with dark pasts," Mack said.

 

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