First Night Bags offer security and comfort for children entering foster care

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) – There are currently 11,000 children in foster care statewide, including more than 200 children in Ottawa County.

Transitioning to a temporary foster home is a heartbreaking experience for many kids. Some are removed from their homes with the clothes on their back and just a few items.

Lisa Hoeve, founder of Hope Pkgs, saw this need firsthand as a foster parent and knew something had to change.

Hope Pkgs is an organization Hoeve created to make the first night in a foster home less traumatic, by offering backpacks filled with love and a lot of thought.

First Night Bags are supplied with new essentials like underwear, socks, pajamas, and toiletries—items that the children can call their own.

Hoeve says these bags offer not just basic necessities, but also a sense of comfort, dignity and hope during a challenging transition.

Hope Pkgs relies on not only monetary donations to keep their mission going, but also volunteers to help shop, pack and fundraise for the cause.

Hoeve was recently recognized as an honoree for the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Awards for her efforts in making children feel safe.

Visit the Hope Pkgs website for more information on how to donate or get involved.