Carry Me Comfort Promotes Community
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were participating in a Zoom benefit for a California-based charity when we learned something heartbreaking: many children in foster care carry their belongings in garbage bags while transitioning between homes. Discovering this was a stark reminder of how different our lives were, inspiring us to make a meaningful impact.
Despite our search, we were unable to find an organization that specifically donated duffle bags to foster children in the area, leading us to start Carry Me Comfort in 2021.
We began by reaching out to two foster care agencies in New York City, The Foundling and JCCA, and formed partnerships with them. We coordinated with these agencies to identify the specific needs of the children, gathering donations of duffle bags, blankets and stuffed animals—items that would provide a sense of dignity, security and comfort.
Stuffed animals provided by Bearington Collection and a duffel bag from Dalix.
The impact of Carry Me Comfort has been empowering, both for the children we serve and for us personally. Witnessing the difference our efforts have made in their lives–from providing a more comfortable night’s rest to enabling them to travel with ease–has been deeply rewarding, instilling a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
We’re filled with a sense of hope and determination to continue growing Carry Me Comfort’s impact. Even in the face of challenges, our actions matter. We are ready to make a difference–one duffle bag, one blanket and one act of kindness at a time.
At first we were unsure of the impact we would be able to make, but we soon realized that our small gestures meant the world to both the children and the administrators at the foster care agencies. Seeing the joy and relief on their faces when we walked in with loads of boxes was incredibly moving.
Moments like this reaffirmed why we started Carry Me Comfort. It wasn’t just about the tangible items; it was about offering a sense of love and support in times when these children needed it the most.
In 2023, we partnered with Family and Children’s Agency in Norwalk, CT and started the Carry Me Comfort Club at Staples High School, expanding our organization to support local agencies. We knew that our small family of four could only make so much of an impact as we searched for new fundraising ideas, shaping the desire to collaborate with our peers.