TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s Duffels of Dignity program is marking three years of providing hope, comfort and dignity to local children in the foster care system.
Launched in October 2022, Duffels of Dignity began as a simple idea: to replace the trash bags that many children in foster care use to carry their belongings with duffel bags filled with essential hygiene items and personal care products. Since then, the program has distributed thousands of duffel bags across Hillsborough County.
Since launching, Duffels of Dignity has collected 5,587 duffel bags and suitcases and helped thousands of children in foster care and those experiencing trauma.
October also marked a record-breaking month for Duffels of Dignity:
- During the 2025 International City/County Management Association Conference in Tampa, Duffels of Dignity was selected as the official service project. Thanks to a generous donation from Tampa Electric, volunteers filled more than 300 duffels with personal hygiene items for local foster youth.
- Compassion met craftsmanship when The Sewing Group at Arise Church in Brandon dedicated weeks to creating and donating 25 handmade quilts. These quilts will be distributed to children entering foster care.
- Multiple duffels filled with personal care items were picked up by the local nonprofit Madi’s Movement and distributed to young adults ages 16 to 25 who are aging out of the foster care system.
What started as a county initiative led by the children’s services department has evolved into a collaboration among public agencies, faith-based organizations and residents. The program’s success is driven by volunteers who fill the bags, businesses that provide supplies and donors who help ensure every child receives the same message of dignity and hope.
Community members and organizations interested in supporting Duffels of Dignity can learn more at HCFL.gov/DuffelsOfDignity. Donations of new or gently duffel bags and personal care items are always welcome.