Some 22 years ago, in 1995, 10 year old Aubyn Burnside was alarmed to learn that the average child in the foster care system moves three to four times and traditionally carries his or her personal belongings from home to home in a black plastic garbage bag. Shortly thereafter she started Suitcases for Kids and the program has grown larger seemingly every year since. Ten years ago the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors joined the effort and they hope you will, too.
Suitcases for Kids is a non-profit international program that has spread throughout the United States and into nine foreign nations. The story has been told multiple times in up to eight different books and has been showcased on public television as well.
Here in Michigan’s Great Southwest, the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors is inviting community support for their 11th Annual Suitcases For Kids program benefiting foster children. Realtors will be collecting donations now through September 30th to help foster children under the supervision of the Berrien, Van Buren and Cass Counties Department of Human Services.
Becoming a foster kid and staying in foster care is a sad and lonely time for any child. Among the many facts that Realtors have learned, as Aubyn Burnside learned years ago, is that most children in foster care carry their belongings in black garbage bags when moved to foster care and each child averages seven moves while in foster care. Our local Realtors believe wholeheartedly in Suitcases For Kids and would like to invite the entire community to help make this transition for our foster kids a little easier. It takes so little to make an impact.
All other items donated must be new; no used items can be accepted. Items that foster kids need include new small duffle bags or backpacks, clothing and personal healthcare items like diapers/pull ups (all sizes) underwear & t-shirts (all sizes), pajamas/socks (all sizes), wet wipes, shampoo, soaps, sanitary items, combs and brushes, deodorant, and toothpaste. Often foster kids will miss birthday, graduation, and other celebrations so gifts of cards, watches, handheld video games, cologne, and aftershave can bring a smile as well.
Donations can be dropped off at any of the 29 Real Estate offices listed below or at the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors Office on 3123 Lake Shore Drive just south of Hilltop Road. You may also check the association’s website for an updated list at swmar.com.
| D. Mottl Realty Group | Buchanan |
| American Hms. R.E. Coloma | Coloma |
| Berkshire Hathaway HomeService | Edwardsburg |
| Cressy & Everett | Edwardsburg |
| Coldwell Banker RWG | Edwardsburg |
| BHHS KoenighRubloff, | New Buffalo |
| Keller Williams Realty | New Buffalo |
| Coldwell Banker Res. Brokerage | New Buffalo |
| Bon Realty | Niles |
| RE/MAX Modern Realty | Niles |
| Integrity R.E. Professionals | Niles |
| Cressy & Everett | Niles |
| Jaqua REALTORS | South Haven |
| RE/MAX Lakeshore | South Haven |
| Shores of South Haven | South Haven |
| Attila Real Estate | St. Joseph |
| Coldwell Banker Anchor | St. Joseph |
| Keller Williams Realty | St. Joseph |
| Re/MAX by the Lake | St. Joseph |
| Realty Executives Pro Brokers | St. Joseph |
| New Seasons Real Estate | St. Joseph |
| @properties Harbor Country | St. Joseph & New Buffalo |
| Coldwell Banker Advantage | Stevensville |
| Core Real Estate | Stevensville |
| Jaqua REALTORS | Stevensville |
| Cressy & Everett | Stevensville |
| Honor Credit Union | St. Joseph &Stevensville |
| Fifth Third Bank | St. Joseph & Coloma |
Realtors Do Make The Difference is the motto for the local association and they are hoping you will make a difference too, by donating to Suitcases For Kids. Last year the group raised over $5,500 in cash and collected over 130 new backpacks and numerous personal items for foster kids under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Human Services in Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass Counties.
If you have any questions, you can call Kathy Pallas at the Association office at (269) 983-6375.
The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors, Inc. is a professional trade association for real estate licensees who are members of the National Association of Realtors and ancillary service providers for the real estate industry in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. The Association can be contacted at 269-983-6375 or through their website at www.swmar.com.
