Suitcases for Kids

When 11-year-old Aubyn Burnside heard about how many children in foster care programs are forced to carry their belongings in garbage bags because they cannot afford suitcases, she was shocked and saddened. "I thought they must feel like garbage themselves," she said. So, Aubyn founded Suitcases for Kids, dedicating herself to ensuring that every child in foster care would have a bag of his or her own.

In the beginning, Aubyn spent her time making posters and local speeches in her community of Hickory, North Carolina. "I expected to start seeing some donations of suitcases. I figured people would be getting new luggage as Christmas gifts, and in turn would get rid of their old luggage."

But for three weeks, she received nothing. Determined not to give up, Aubyn and her mother visited the Salvation Army, and purchased 31 suitcases for $15. This helped launch her organization and eventually donor suitcases started arriving in mass quantities.

Six years later, Aubyn has collected over 25,000 suitcases, and her charity has chapters in every state and in over ten foreign countries. She has been recognized in the National Geographic Hall of Fame, inducted into the National Caring Institute in Washington, D.C., and received an award from Prudential for spirit in her community.

But, Aubyn is modest about her organization's overwhelming success. "It has to be a shocking experience for these kids," she says, "and I just wanted to help."

Aubyn and her mother hit the road at least once a week, speaking at churches, schools, and local community groups. Each time they leave behind a starter kit so other kids can get involved - and a message of hope. Aubyn says, "Age is no limit. Kids scan do whatever they set their mind on doing. And one kid can make a difference."

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