Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Office collects donations of gently-used luggage, suitcases, and other travel-related bags throughout the year, to donate to a program called Luggage of Love.
The items are used to equip displaced children and families in need, who are identified through the program, which is operated by the University of Florida/Pasco County Extension Office, according to a news release.
The children who receive the luggage are those who often must travel with caseworkers into foster care, or are otherwise removed from their homes due to emergency situations, historically have had to use plastic garbage bags to carry their clothing and personal belongings.
The luggage adds a sense of dignity to a child who very likely could be experiencing of the most traumatic events in his or her young life.
In some cases, the luggage is given to single mothers and their children — who are escaping domestic violence situations.
The staff of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office continues to respond to the call for help.
“Thank you so very much for the donations we have received in the past,” Elizabeth Urquiola, program coordinator for the Luggage of Love program, said in the release.
“We can’t thank our community enough for the amazing generosity. We need to keep our closets full because children and mothers may be in need at any time. Please help spread the love to our displaced children in Pasco County through our Luggage of Love program. Your donations will always be put to good use,” said Urquiola.
The supply of suitable suitcases is currently low and the demand continues to grow.
Tax Collector Mike Fasano said that donations of everything from suitcases to duffle bags and backpacks are the lifeblood of this charity.
“If you have not given before and have some unused luggage you could donate, please reach out to our office. We will work with you in any way that we can to help get the luggage into the hands of those most in need,” Fasano said, in the release.
To help, or find out more, reach out to Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or to Urquiola at 352-521-1254, ext. 5325.
Luggage donations may be dropped off at any of the five tax collector offices in the county.
Visit PascoTaxes.com, for office locations and hours of operation.
Published May 26, 2021
