LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Sometimes, it may be all a child has on one of the darkest nights of their life.
The “Love Luggage” project, the brainchild of the Allen Lima Leadership Class of 2006, has been making a difference for the past 19 years. With the help of the Lima Rotary Club, volunteers continue to fill backpacks with essential items for children who are removed from their homes due to circumstances beyond their control.
Allen County Children Services serves as the steward of the program, distributing the backpacks to children who are placed in foster or kinship care.
The “Love Luggage” project, the brainchild of the Allen Lima Leadership Class of 2006, has been making a difference for the past 19 years.
"Whenever we do have children that need to be removed from the home, they're available and sorted and ready to go, so that whoever that caregiver is is going to have that backpack to give to that child, and that child's going to have their own things, which means so much to so many of these kids," said Sarah Newland, executive director of Allen County Children Services.
Beth Seibert, Love Luggage coordinator, said the need for the project remains strong after nearly two decades.
"We felt that we've needed to carry it on, because the need from year to year is there, and this is our 19th year," Seibert said. "I'm so excited that between the community, what's left of our class, and the Lima Rotary Club, we have a good example of those who come alongside us to help keep this project alive and support it."
The backpacks are age-appropriate, ranging from items for babies to teens. Each contains a blanket, personal hygiene products, and something educational to provide comfort and a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.
