The Redlands Community College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society (PTK) is hosting a duffle bag drive now through April 30. The drive will benefit foster youth in the college’s five-county service area, including Canadian and Kingfisher counties.
Foster children tend to move frequently and most likely keep their belongings in a trash bag or box. PTK members want to help dignify these children by providing them with a proper bag to use during the relocation process.
“Foster kids are a part of our community, and if their families are unable to care for them, it is up to the ‘village’ surrounding them to do so,” said PTK officer Christy Rutherford.
The family-like environment at Redlands motivates students and faculty to consistently reach out to the community. The duffle bags, while seemingly a small gesture, will make a big difference in foster children’s lives, giving them a sense of normalcy in an unstable environment.
“Not everyone can be a foster family, but everyone can do something to support foster children,” said PTK member Caleb Sanderson said.
The duffle bag drive is open to anyone who would like to participate. Acceptable donations include physical duffle bags, cash and checks. Donations are being accepted at the college in the Ray Porter Building, Room S101A. Additionally, bags can be purchased via an Amazon wish list and the bag will be delivered to Redlands directly.