Family Service of Rhode Island has launched a drive to collect new luggage, backpacks and gym bags for children too often forced to put their possessions into a garbage bag as they leave their home and enter foster care or group homes.

“Boys and girls too often need to leave in a rush because their home is no longer safe,” said Family Service of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland. “During June we’re asking the community to drop off new luggage, backpacks and over-sized gym bags at one of our Providence locations so we can provide them to these children.”

Family Service of Rhode Island recruits foster homes and provides group homes so it sees the problem firsthand.  “Too often these children come to us with little more than the clothes they are wearing,” she said. “We’re asking the community to join with us in helping these kids get a new start in life.”

New luggage, backpacks and over-sized gym bags may be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the agency’s locations at 55 Hope St., 134 Thurbers Ave., and 9 Pleasant St. in Providence. The drive will continue through Tuesday, June 30.

Questions may be directed to the agency’s development director Julie Casimiro at 519-2289 or email her at casimiroju@familyserviceri.org.

Family Service of Rhode Island is a statewide non-profit human service and education agency. More information is available at www.familyserviceri.org.