Carrying
Compassion
to
Kids
in
Need
✶
Carrying Compassion to Kids in Need ✶
Luggage for Love is dedicated to bringing dignity, comfort, and hope to children in foster care and transitional living in Nassau County, Long Island. By collecting and distributing brand-new duffle bags packed with essential items and a comforting personal item, we strive to ensure every child feels valued, respected, and supported through life’s most challenging transitions. Since our launch in 2024, we’ve proudly delivered over 600 bags—and we’re just getting started.
Our Mission
Our Founder
Alexander Lo Russo
My name is Alexander Lo Russo. In 2024, I started Luggage for Love because of something my mom shared with me. She’s a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and part of her work is supporting children in the foster care system. One day, she told me how many of these children end up carrying all their belongings in garbage bags whenever they’re moved to a new home or placement. Hearing this upset me—it just seemed so unfair and demeaning.
I began thinking about what it must feel like to lose not only your home and sense of security but also your dignity in the process. Even something as small as having a real bag to put your things in can remind you that you matter, that you’re cared for, and that your life isn’t disposable. That was the spark for Luggage for Love.
I hope to provide a bit of hope and compassion to children who are going through a really tough time. It’s about showing them that even though they might not have control over where they live, they at least have something of their own to carry what matters to them—and that there are people out there who believe in their worth.
Of all the children in foster care, teenagers are the most likely to be shifted around from home to home or put into group homes. For this reason, many of our drives will specifically focus on teenagers.
☀️Summer Highlights
This summer has been filled with kindness and generosity. Week after week, we’ve received beautifully packed bags from individuals, families, and local groups. From neighborhood porch drop-offs to group efforts organized by individual members of the Gardenias of Garden City National Charity League (NCL) and generous families across Long Island, each donation is a reminder of the power of small acts of love.
Our weekly Monday and Wednesday deliveries to Birthday Wishes have been steady and strong—thanks to the tireless commitment of our volunteer drivers.
🍁Upcoming Events
As we look ahead to the fall, we’re excited to once again work with St. Anne’s Parish and to begin new partnerships with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, service groups, and global businesses like Cushman & Wakefield. These collaborations will support more traditional collection drives, helping us expand our impact and presence where it’s needed most.
Luggage for Love continues to grow because of this community, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the coming season. Thank you!
🚙Volunteer to Drive
Volunteer drivers are needed every Monday and Wednesday from 10AM to 2PM to deliver donations to Birthday Wishes.
🧸How to Donate
Purchase a 19–20" NEW duffle bag.
Fill it with toiletries, small necessities, and one comfort item.
Tag it with the age range you’re donating for (infant to 21).
Drop it off at donation center at allotted time or email us for a pick up.
= Event to Donate (blue)
= Volunteer to Drive (red)
Volunteer drivers are needed every Monday and Wednesday from 10AM to 2PM to deliver donations to Birthday Wishes.
Get Involved
There are several ways to help*:
Donate a NEW duffle bag.
Collect and organize bags at a drive.
Load bags into transport vehicles.
Volunteer to drive these donations to Birthday Wishes of Long Island.
*Community Service Hours Can Be Earned!
Contact Info
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