Imagine you are a child who suddenly has to leave home and family with only what you are wearing and a few personal items stuffed into a trash bag. Unfortunately this happens to many children entering foster care. In some instances, children are picked up at school and can’t even return home to collect personal items. There are currently more than 1,000 children in foster care in Erie County. They shouldn’t need to keep everything they own in a garbage bag.

The mission of Care Cases of WNY is to provide comfort, hope, and dignity to local children placed into foster homes by providing each child with a “Care Case.” These duffel bags and small suitcases are filled with new/unused comfort and care items that are customized for boys and girls in varying age groups. Cases are filled with personal care items, books, a comfy blanket, and other items. Each case includes a tag that states, “You matter.” Social workers distribute the cases through local foster care agencies.

Whoever welcomes a child in my name, welcomes me—Mark 9:37

During the season of Lent, our congregation will be collecting items to complete Care Cases for local children. There are several ways that you can help. You may wish to donate a duffel bag or perhaps some items needed to stock a Care Case. Or, if you are able, you and your family may wish to complete an entire Care Case (it is estimated that it costs approximately $50 to assemble each Care Case). Monetary contributions are also greatly appreciated. The items needed to complete a care case are:

• A duffel bag or small suitcase
• Fleece blanket (60″ x 80″)
• Stuffed animal (approximately14-16″ tall)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or soap
• Body lotion
• Deodorant
• Coloring book and crayons
• Books (toddler through teens)
• Journals, pens, pencils

There will be a table in the narthex each Sunday during Lent (beginning February 18) where you can donate items or make a monetary contribution to this project. Checks may be made out to NPC with “Care Cases of WNY” on the memo line. You may bring the check to church or mail it to 300 N. Forest Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221.

Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping our children.