Success by the Numbers!

Suitcases: 38

Duffle Bags: 44

Totes: 24

Backpacks: 12

Thank you from the Juvenile Law Section and the Children and the Law Committee for all of the donations of NEW and GENTLY USED suitcases or large duffle bags for kids in the foster care system.

Often, foster youth are given trash bags to collect their things. when being removed from their home or when being moved from place to place while in state care. Providing these youth with a suit case or travel bag of their own can help restore some dignity.

• Teresa Burkett + her team members with Conner & Winters, LLP

• Jacque Ruhl + her community connections - See note below!

• Wendy Brooks + her team members with Vital Energy, Inc

• Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

• Pray Walker, PC

• Kirsten Palfreyman + her team members with Atkinson, Brittingham, Gladd, Fiasco, Edmonds, PC

"The collected luggage for the suitcase drive was contributed by various sources, including my personal household, some fellow law students, friends from church, as well as members of the Verdigris and Claremore communities. While a piece of luggage may not eradicate the trauma experienced by children upon their removal from their homes, it undeniably serves as a valuable means in mitigating the exacerbation of their circumstance, sparing them the distress of resorting to using a trash bag.

I am grateful that I could help and for all those who were generous in donating to the cause."

~ Jacqueline Ruhl

In regard to having access to your own luggage , "It's not only dignity, but also privacy"

~ A former Foster Kid herself who once had to carry her personal items in a trash bag, Kirsten Palfreyman