Kiwanis Club and Youth Villages collect luggage for foster children

The Northeast Shelby County Kiwanis Club and Youth Villages are collecting gently used suitcases, backpacks and duffel bags for children in foster care through Monday, Jan. 19; the drive expanded to more drop-off locations after receiving more than 200 donations in 2025.

Youth Villages is partnering with the Northeast Shelby County Kiwanis Club on a luggage donation drive for children in foster care. The club is collecting gently used, clean and functional suitcases, backpacks and duffle bags through Monday, Jan. 19. Now in its third year, the drive grew through word-of-mouth and social media after receiving more than 200 pieces of luggage in 2025. This year the program expanded to include drop-off locations in Bartlett, Millington, Lakeland and Oakland, with donations accepted at several local bank branches. Key details: - Items accepted are gently used, clean, functional suitcases, backpacks and duffle bags. - The collection period runs through Monday, Jan. 19. - The drive is organized by the Northeast Shelby County Kiwanis Club in partnership with Youth Villages. - In 2025 the drive received more than 200 pieces of luggage. - Donations can be dropped off at Bank of Bartlett branches, Patriot Banks in Arlington and Millington, and First Citizens National Bank in Arlington. Summary: The collection aims to provide children in foster care with a secure bag for their belongings and to show community support, and organizers say such items can make a difference. Donations are being gathered through Jan. 19 at the listed locations; distribution plans were not detailed and are undetermined at this time.