Single Parent FamilyLife - Kid's Tote Bags for Foster Children

KID'S TOTE BAGS
Jesus said, "And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple – I assure you: He will never lose his reward!"
Why Tote Bags? "My teenage foster daughter arrived at night. I was literally repulsed when the social worker pulled the black trash bags from the trunk of the car. I told myself and my foster daughter that you are not garbage and you will not leave my house carrying trash bags. That's when I made the decision to put words into action by having these tote bags made." – Foster Mom Testimonials "Thank you for the pattern. I made one and it turned out really nice. I was able to contact an organization in my area and they are very happy to get the bags and said the kids would really like them. We are excited to be able to make them for the kids. Again thank you for the pattern." – Carol "The Foster Care Offices in Riverside were overjoyed with the 60 bags we delivered. Thank you ladies for all your hard work!" – Lucille "The tote sample was taken to the Foster facility, and they loved it! Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. They have a special "life training event" (my terminology) coming up at the end of July, for 40 high-risk girls aged 14-18, and they asked if they could have us make totes for that event... which gave us about 6 weeks to do so. So... 2 weeks ago at our regular quilting meeting, a few of us spent the time cutting out "tote kits" that we plan to finish sewing up this Saturday." – Judy "I'm going to offer this as an option for some students I'll have in a summer sewing program. Thank you for all you do for these children." – Diane A stuffed doll, handmade by a missions group, "God's Share Program" in Florida, has been made an available resource for the tote bag as long as they have them in stock.
		HELP EXTEND LOVE TO FOSTER CHILDREN
		When authorities pull a child from an unsafe home to bring them into the protective custody of foster care, many times the child brings with him/her only the clothes on his/her back. Case workers that are fortunate to have time to gather the child's clothing, stuff the most convenient suitcase available – a black trash bag! The child's world has been turned upside down and they drag around what they have left in a GARBAGE BAG, most likely a visual expression of exactly how they feel about themselves. We can extend our love to a foster child by giving them a handmade tote bag with Christian resources, and/or minister to foster parents who can give the totes to foster children. We are asking that you donate financially to pay for the cost of ministry resources to give out with the totes: a Bible story booklet and "The Story of Jesus for Children," (click for video clip). Also, a stuffed doll, handmade by a missions group in Florida, has been made an available resource to us as long as they have them in stock. To date, the tote bags have been hand sewn by groups all across Canada and the USA donating their time and materials to sew them. Brighten any child's heart while sharing culturally relevant resources that teach the hope that only comes by knowing Jesus personally. Here's How You Can Help By (Volunteering or Donating): Make tote bags for foster care child placement, or donate any amount financially for ministry materials (DVD's and the booklets cost about $10.00) and we'll get the resources to those able to use them. To download the pattern, click here: If you want to make the totes and donate them to us, we'll get them distributed. Email us for shipping information attotes@singleparentfamilylife.com To donate financially for resources, click here: