U.S. Attorney Goodwin, Child Advocates Announce Luggage Collection Drive For Foster Children

West Virginians asked to participate to help kids in transition to foster care

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, along with representatives from Mission West Virginia, Inc., the Children’s Home Society and other supporters gathered today at the Charleston Civic Center for the first of four regional events designed to help children transitioning into foster care.  The second annual Thanksgiving time luggage collection drive dubbed “Give Thanks and Carry On”, launched today as part of Mission West Virginia’s Carry On Campaign, is an effort aimed at collecting luggage, essential personal care items, and items of comfort for children who are in transition to the state’s foster care system. West Virginia currently has more than 4,000 children in the foster care system.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, "No child should have to use a trash bag to transport their belongings.” Goodwin continued, “That’s what was happening and that’s why the Carry On Campaign was formed a few years ago: to provide children with luggage and other items of comfort during a very difficult time.  We're asking all West Virginians: as you’re preparing for the upcoming holiday season, add a child in need to your list.”  

The Carry On Campaign began in October 2010 as a collaborative, multi-agency partnership that includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Mission West Virginia, Inc., the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney’s Institute and the West Virginia Drug Endangered Children Task Force.  Items sought after as part of the Carry On Campaign include new and gently used luggage, duffle bags, stuffed animals, coloring books, journals, toothbrushes, toothpaste, as well as non-perishable snacks. Additional items being collected during the winter months include coats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, earmuffs, socks, and blankets.  All items collected will be distributed by Mission West Virginia.

This is the second year in a row that U.S. Attorney Goodwin has partnered with Mission West Virginia, and the West Virginia Children’s Home Society for a Thanksgiving collection drive in support of children in transition to foster care. Previous collection efforts have enabled Mission West Virginia to meet critical care needs for hundreds of young people.          

Three additional collection campaign announcements are upcoming: in Ona, W.Va., at the Hovah Hall Underwood Children’s Home on Nov. 25; in Daniels, W.Va., at the Southern West Virginia Exceptional Youth Emergency Shelter on Nov. 26; and the Easton Center in Parkersburg on Nov. 27.

To find a drop-off location near you or to receive additional information regarding the Carry On Campaign, please contact Carrie Dawson at cdawson@missionwv.org or call toll free 1-866-CALL-MWV (1-866-225-5698).