By COOPER SLOUGH
Hays Post

Each year, thousands of children go in and out of foster care, many of them victims of circumstances beyond their control. There are several steps necessary to get away from the situation. However, according to Ashley Allen, Ellis County Salvation Army coordinator, those steps shouldn’t include packing your life into trash bags in order to move.

“I started Project Suitcase because a suitcase provides (the kids) with a sense of promise and hope,” Allen said.

There are 210 foster children in Ellis County, and Allen is hoping for enough community support to provide each of them with a suitcase. When suitcases are distributed, they include shampoo, conditioner, a treat, a prayer bear and, arguably most important, a name tag.

“I’ve had kids living their lives out of three trash bags in my back seat while moving across the state,” Allen said. “At some point, these kids just believe they’re trash too.”

To donate a suitcase, call Ashley at (785) 621-2794 or stop by the Salvation Army office, 203 E. Seventh, Ste. A.

All donations are tax-deductible.