March 2 is my birthday. And I am posting something today that brings together two things I love: changemakers and luggage. Yes, luggage.
I have a lot to say about luggage. You might understand why. I am someone who sees his fair share of airports, and I do quite a bit of travel.
But this isn’t about my preferred carry-on, or what I look for when suitcase shopping. I learned from Rachael Payton something about luggage that both shocked and moved me–and ever since I have not been able to look at luggage in the same way.
Rachael is one of those remarkable changemakers. She is a leader who has had the courage to establish an NGO, raise awareness about social issues, and do something to improve her world. Her organization, BeGreatDC, is helping make connections between those in need and those who give.
Rachael told me about the journey of many foster care youth who are transitioning between foster care housing. She said that one of the things that few people realize is that some young people, when arriving in a new foster care environment, arrive with their belongings in a garbage bag. It’s not enough that their situations present them with challenges like you or I might never know, but they are even denied the dignity of making those transitions with the luggage or supplies needed to help them get settled and move forward.
It’s heartbreaking—and it’s not right. And even though there are so many things that one can do, the idea that a luggage drive is taking place in my own city, moved me. BeGreatDC has an ongoing drive where people can donate through Amazon so that foster care youth transitioning in between homes can have access to essentials and make their journey with their head held high. Please, if you are able, make a purchase on Amazon via the BeGreatDC’s Amazon page here: https://www.begreatdc.org/luggagedrive
Sometimes life feels like a carousel—you’re pushed in one direction, and mindlessly following along on an endless loop. I say we should all be better handlers of one another, helping make the carrying of baggage a shared responsibility.
For my birthday, it would be a wonderful and much appreciated gift if you join me in making a young person’s difficult journey just a little bit better. Thank you!
