On September 23, a group of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Pupil Personnel Workers and Community School Liaisons volunteered at Comfort Cases’ national headquarters in Gaithersburg to assemble care packages for children in foster care.

Comfort Cases is a nonprofit organization that provides backpacks and duffle bags filled with essential items for youth entering or transitioning within the foster care system. Each package typically includes a stuffed animal, blanket, set of pajamas, age-appropriate book, journal, pens, toiletries, and other personal care items. Children also receive a new duffle bag, ensuring they do not have to transport their belongings in trash bags. With the exception of books, all donated items must be new.

Community members are encouraged to support the organization by donating money, items, or time. Comfort Cases was founded by Rob Scheer, who grew up in foster care and is now a foster parent himself. The organization has received national attention, including features on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and other media platforms.

One MCPS volunteer, Pupil Personnel Worker Kassie Cardona, noted the experience was personally meaningful given her own family’s connection to foster care, and said she plans to continue supporting the organization through contributions and school donation drives.

Learn more here.