Event Goers Do Good Stuff for My Stuff

When the folks who were at Leonis Adobe Saturday night are told to "stuff it," they don't get offended, they get busy.

The adobe was the site of My Stuff Bags Foundation's annual Best Stuff Celebration.

The national charity provides children who have been rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment with duffle bags to carry around what few possessions, if any, they have, explained Janeen Holmes, foundation president and CEO—and a co-founder.

"Basically, we provide duffles to the abused and neglected kids who are removed from their homes and get put into foster homes and who have no possessions of their own," she said.

Holmes said in the very early days of the foundation—almost 15 years ago—she and others stuffed the bags in her kitchen.

Now, the foundation fills the 20,000 to 25,000 bags it donates annually with new toys, books, a stuffed animal, school supplies, clothing, toiletries and a blanket in a warehouse in Westlake Village.

The Best Stuff Celebration helps raise money and awareness for the cause. Organizers expected 150 to 200 guests to attend, taste food and wine and participate in games and other fun.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer at the My Stuff Bags warehouse, visit the foundation's website.