State Rep. Manley Continues Luggage Drive For Foster Kids

ROMEOVILLE, IL — State Rep. Natalie Manley is continuing an ongoing luggage drive so that kids who are removed from their homes, and/or who may travel between homes, retain dignity by having proper suitcases, rather than carrying their belongings in garbage bags, according to a news release from her office.

Manley delivered nearly 20 new suitcases to the CASA of River Valley office, a nonprofit organization of court-appointed special advocates who work directly with foster care kids. The organization had requested luggage in colors appropriate for older boys, without cartoons.

“These children who are already troubled by life challenges that brought them to the foster care system deserve to be treated with respect,” Manley said in a release. “Making kids carry their possessions in trash bags is insulting and undignified. They deserve better, and a simple suitcase makes a difference.”

Manley has had ongoing partnerships with not only CASA, but also the Department of Children and Family Services where she has coordinated hundreds of suitcases for children over the years.

DCFS reports that more than 500 children are in foster care each year, and CASA of River Valley supported more than 447 children last year, according to www.casaofrivervalley.org.

“Thanks to the Village of Romeoville, we are able to keep dozens of suitcases in storage at the village hall, ready to deliver to either CASA or DCFS whenever they need them,” Manley said in a release. “After people have donated suitcases, the logistics of storing them in advance of getting them to the kids has been a challenge that the Village of Romeoville has helped solve.”

Manley’s district office is located inside the Romeoville Village Hall. Over the years, Manley has collected and donated hundreds of suitcases for children in foster care.

“It’s important to thank the countless community members who remember these children and call us when they have unused, new luggage,” Manley said. “We are hoping the community can take advantage of upcoming Black Friday and holiday sales to find new luggage to donate.”

Anyone interested in donating a new suitcase can contact Manley’s office to make arrangements at 815-725-2741 call or text; or email repmanley@gmail.com.