Our Impact

❤️ 4,700+ personalized embroidered duffel bags provided since 2014

❤️ 437 children served in 2025

❤️ 350 children we hope to serve in 2026

❤️ Serving children throughout St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren Counties.

Join Us in Making a Difference for Children in Foster Care

Since 2014, the Duffel Bag Project has provided more than 4,700 personalized embroidered duffel bags to children in foster care throughout St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren Counties.

No child should ever have to carry their belongings in a trash bag.

Each child receives a personalized duffel bag embroidered with their first name. When a child's favorite color is provided by their agency, we use it for the embroidery, making each bag as unique as the child receiving it. It's more than just a bag—it's a gift created especially for them. During the holiday season, our hope is that it brings a little joy, offers comfort, and reminds every child that they are seen, valued, and loved.

A duffel bag may seem like a small gift, but during one of the most difficult moments in a child's life, it can provide comfort, dignity, and hope.

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Our Story

Our journey began in 2013 after completing STARS foster parent training (now called MO C.A.R.E.) through One Heart Family Ministries. The following year, we became licensed foster parents through Bringing Families Together (BFT).

As we became foster parents ourselves, we learned the heartbreaking reality that many children in foster care moved from home to home carrying their belongings in trash bags. We knew there had to be a better way.

That Christmas, with the support of our family, friends, and community, we launched the Duffel Bag Project and provided 55 personalized embroidered duffel bags to children in foster care.

We never imagined how much that small project would grow.

Today, thanks to the generosity of individuals, families, churches, schools, businesses, civic organizations, and community partners, we've provided more than 4,700 personalized embroidered duffel bags to children throughout our community.

We're honored to continue partnering with One Heart Family Ministries, and we're grateful to MIDWEST Stitch n Print for once again providing the beautiful embroidery that makes every bag personal.

Thank You

Because of your incredible generosity, we exceeded our 2025 goal.

Together, we provided 437 personalized embroidered duffel bags to children in foster care.

That's 437 children who received something of their own.

Thank you for making that possible.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we prepare for another year of serving children, we've encountered one unexpected challenge: the duffel bag we've proudly used for many years has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

After researching replacement options and gathering feedback from our supporters, we're excited to be close to finalizing a new bag. Our goal has always been to provide a durable, high-quality embroidered duffel while keeping the project affordable, and we're pleased to share that we expect to keep the cost under $20 per bag.

We're putting the finishing touches on our 2026 bag selection and hope to unveil it soon. While we finalize the details, we didn't want to delay fundraising. With your support, we'll once again provide personalized embroidered duffel bags to hundreds of children in foster care this holiday season.

Our 2026 Goal

Our goal this year is to raise enough funds to provide 350 personalized embroidered duffel bags to children entering foster care in our community.

Your gift provides more than a bag.

It provides:

❤️ A safe place for treasured belongings

❤️ A personalized duffel embroidered with the child's first name

❤️ Comfort during a difficult transition

❤️ A reminder that someone cares

❤️ Dignity when it's needed most

Whether you sponsor one child or many, your generosity helps ensure no child begins this journey carrying their belongings in a trash bag.

How You Can Help

Donate by Check

Payable to: One Heart Family Ministries

Memo: Duffel Bag Project

12465 Olive Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63141-6408

Or make a secure online donation using the button below.

Together, we can give 350 children something they can proudly call their own.