Care Bags Foundation was founded by Annie Wignall in Jan. 2000 when she was eleven years old. She is currently the President and Director of Care Bags Foundation. Annie got the idea to start this project after she learned there were lots of kids in crisis situations who have to leave their homes with very few of their own belongings. “ I love kids and wanted to do something to help make their lives better”, says Annie. Over the years, with increased support and donations from businesses, groups and individuals, along with numerous agencies who hand-deliver the bags, Annie’s idea has grown from a small home-based project helping a few Iowa kids, into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides services to thousands of kids worldwide. Care Bags, which is run entirely by volunteer efforts, is now complete with its own headquarters for storing items and filling bags. As Annie Wignall says, “I know we can’t help everyone, but with your help we can make a difference, one Care Bag, one child at a time.”
It is their goal to help as many kids in need as they can, for as long as they can, and to encourage others to do the same.
WHAT THEY DO:
- Create and distribute beautiful fabric Care Bags filled with essential and comforting items for needy children ages baby-18 years.
- Fill over 100 Care Bags monthly at our Care Bags 4 Kids Headquarters in Iowa.
- Distribute Care Bags through children-service agencies and individuals across the United States.
- Care Bags are also hand-delivered by our international partners and friends to displaced, abused and disadvantaged kids worldwide.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Since Care Bags Foundation has no paid staff and is run entirely by volunteers, we count on people like you to help us help kids in need. You could:
- Donate your time, money or items
- Sew bags, bibs and children’s blankets (sample sewing directions for bags are available by email).
- Encourage your family and friends to help you assist us with our project.
- Adopt the idea and start a similar project of your own. A complete Care Bags Starter Kit to give you ideas on helping kids in your own community is available via email. Due to high costs the kit cannot be sent out by regular mail.
- Find a way of your own to make a difference in the life of a child and encourage others to do the same.
For more information, contact Care Bags 4 Kids at helpingkids@carebags4kids.org.
