Holly Coker, Republic, Mo.
Personalized care is in the bag for children in crisis
Recognizing how lucky and blessed they were with their own children, Holly Coker and Samantha Trabue wanted to do something to help kids in crisis.
The two mothers gave themselves the name “The Bag Ladies” and committed to meet and sew unique, personalized bags for children who were moving into foster care or a shelter. They made their first delivery to the Family Violence Center of Springfield in October 2009, and have been gathering to create bags ever since. While they started making bags for only one shelter, they now deliver to three agencies.
An age-appropriate comfort item is included with each bag. Mothers in the shelter receive a smaller bag with a journal.
“The bags served as a way for children to transport personal items with them while they are in transition,” said Holly. “It also gives them something that is made just for them and that is uniquely theirs. They are intended to bring comfort, hope and show the recipients that others in their community care about their difficult circumstances.”