The purpose of this ministry is to provide a 30” duffel bag for children who are removed from their homes due to abuse/neglect and placed into foster care.  The first day of being pulled from their home is understandably very traumatic for these children.  They often leave their homes with all of their belongings placed in a black garbage bag – with the unspoken message that they and all of their belongings are no better than trash.  The goal of this effort is to provide a child with a nice duffel bag filled with essential items that they can call their own and help provide comfort as they transition.  Bags will be collected quarterly throughout the year. 
 

How to get started:

• Choose if this is for a male or female child.
• Shop for items listed below.
• Drop Off Dates: February 12/13, 2011

Supply List:

• 26 - 30” Duffel Bag  (If you are unable to find a duffel bag at your local store here is an online option.)
• Pillow
• Pillow Case
• Twin Size Blanket
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Small Stuffed animal
• Small Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Small liquid body soap
• Book
• Flashlight

Printable List

When the young ladies (ages 11-17) arrive at Vista Maria, many times they have only the clothes they are wearing. Sometimes they have the luxury of bringing a few of their own personal items. This bag of personal items is given to each girl upon arrival. It provides them with things they will need to make it through their initial days and allows them to have something they can call their own.
 
How to get started:

• Choose the size that you would like to purchase and stay consistent with that size. 
• Place the purchased items in a cloth bag, making sure all liquid items are sealed tightly.
• Attach a label to the bag with the size listed.
• Drop Off Dates: February 12/13, 2011

Items needed include:

• 1 set of Pajamas (ages 11-17, sizes small through 4X)
  • Pajamas should be modest – no spaghetti straps or suggestive graphics or wording
• 3 pairs of underwear (sizes small through 4X)
• 1 pair of Socks or Slippers
• 1 bar of Soap (Dove)
• 1 Deodorant
• 1 Hairbrush
• 1 Toothbrush
• 1 Toothpaste
• 1 Shampoo
• 1 Journal (no metal—this includes wire binding)
• 1 Teddy Bear
• 1 soft cloth bag for above items (see example below)

Printable List

Infant Bags  are for children ages 0-24 months that have just been adopted or have been removed from their home and placed in foster Care. These bags will give some relief to the new parents and provide basic supplies for the new child.  Bags will be collected quarterly throughout the year. 

How to get started:

• Choose if this is for a male or female child
• Shop for items listed below

Drop Off Dates:  February 12/13, 2011
 
Supply List:
Boys and Girls 0 to 24 months

• Onesie (packet of three)
• Outfit  
• Bottles (3-6 bottles)
• Pacifier
• Blanket
• Small toy
• Socks
• Diaper rash cream
• Bibs
• Burp cloth
• Diaper bag (any size)

Printable List