How Can You Help
Pack a HOPE Case
When children enter the foster care system, it often happens suddenly and without warning. Many arrive at their new foster home with nothing at all—or with their few belongings hastily packed into a trash bag. During such a traumatic and confusing time, we believe children deserve dignity, comfort, and something they can truly call their own. Hope Cases are age-appropriate suitcases, backpacks, or diaper bags thoughtfully filled with essential items and comfort pieces to help ease a child’s transition into foster care. Each case is designed to meet a child’s immediate needs during the first 48 hours in care—because something as simple as clean pajamas, a favorite snack, or a soft teddy bear can bring powerful comfort during a crisis. Hope Cases also support foster families by ensuring children have what they need right away, allowing caregivers to focus on building trust, connection, and stability during those critical first moments together. Hope Cases are distributed to CPS agencies and foster care partners throughout Central Ohio, ensuring children receive comfort and essentials as soon as they enter care. If you’re considering packing a Hope Case—and we truly hope you are—we invite you to review our packing lists to see exactly what each case should include. To ensure every child receives the same level of care, dignity, and support, it’s important that each Hope Case is packed with the items listed. Please contact us to arrange pickup and delivery.
What's inside?
Below is a list of items included in each age-specific Hope Case category. Once you’ve packed your Hope Case.
Bag (diaper, small tote, or toddler size bookbag)
Pajamas
Baby Blanket
Baby Hygeine kit
Pacifier
Pack of wipes
Baby Bib
Board Book
Bookbag
Pajamas
Blanket
Stuffed Animal
Coloring Book
Crayons
Kid Hygeine kit
Picture Book
Duffel bag or Tote bag
Pajama bottoms
Blanket
Stuffed Animal
Teen Hygeine kit
Journal
Adult Coloring book or Word Puzzle book
Colored pencils