CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) – What began as a small project to help foster children has “spread like wildfire,” according to Kayla Seyler, co-creator of the Blessing Bag Project in Clarion County and surrounding areas.
Seyler and her husband, who are foster parents themselves, started the Blessing Bag Project in early June. Their goal was to gather 30 packed book bags from family and friends to donate to foster children in need.
“Every single day there are children in our community that are forced to leave their homes and enter the foster care system,” Seyler said. “If they are lucky they are given time to throw a few possessions in trash bags to take with them. As a mother, I can’t even begin to imagine how those precious children feel…This is just one small way you can make a difference.”
In only a week, the project has gained popularity through social media and the local region.
Seyler said the project is a fun, easy activity to do with children and within church communities. Donors only have to spend around $20.00 to pack a bag for a foster child.
“I can’t think of a better way to bless a child that is going through one of the hardest times in their lives. I think most people care about that, and most people want to do good things. I think this an easy way to do it,” Seyler said.
Seyler hopes to turn the Blessing Bag Project into an annual event and help surrounding counties begin their own projects.
Blessing bags can be packed with the following items:
For a Child:
- Back Pack
- Blanket
- Stuffed Animal
- Coloring Book/Book/Crayons
- Tooth Brush/Tooth Paste
For a Teenager:
- Back Pack/Blanket Sketch Pad (OR joke book, adult coloring book, etc.)
- Journal/Pens/Colored Pencils
- Tooth Brush/Tooth Paste
Donors are asked to purchase brand new/like new items, and pack each bag with care. Only purchase items on the list in order to keep each bag similar.
Bags can be dropped off at the following locations:
- Brookville: Plylers at Your Services
- Rimersburg: Taste-T-Freeze
- New Bethlehem: RMS Furniture
- Individuals located in Clarion
Other drop off locations include Seyler’s home in Cowansville and Seyler’s parents’ home in Rimersburg. Contact Seyler for information regarding these drop off locations.
Bags should be returned to Seyler before July 11.
Agencies included in the Blessing Bag Project:
- Family Pathways in Butler
- Family Care for Children in Franklin
Agencies should not be contacted about dropping off bags.
For information on dropping off bags, contact Kayla Seyler at 724-954-9676 or gregkay2@gmail.com.
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