Local Woman Creates ‘Comfort Bags’ to Support Children Entering Foster Care

Local Seamstress Pioneers Project to Provide Comfort Bags for Children in Foster Care

ADAMS COUNTY, PA — Children entering the foster care system often face emotional upheaval and uncertainty, compounded by the fact that they frequently arrive with their belongings crammed into trash bags. Recognizing this problem, Judy Geary, a seasoned seamstress from Biglerville, has initiated a heartfelt community project to create handmade “comfort bags” for these vulnerable children throughout Pennsylvania. Each comfort bag, carefully stitched and assembled, aims to provide comfort and reassurance during a tumultuous transition.

Motivated by the abundance of spare fabric she had accumulated over the years, Geary identified an opportunity to make a tangible difference. “When children arrive in foster care with their belongings in trash bags, it sends a message that they are not valued,” she explained. “My goal is to give them something special that can help ease their anxiety as they navigate this unfamiliar terrain.”

There are approximately 14,000 foster children in Pennsylvania, a statistic that underscores the significance of Geary’s initiative. “While I know I can’t reach every child, I hope that by sharing this idea, others will join me in my mission to provide comfort,” Geary stated.

The process of creating a single set of comfort bags requires three to four hours, during which Geary carefully designs each tote bag, toiletry bag, and pillowcase. Recently, she has expanded her project to include comforting items such as stuffed animals, coloring books, and journals—items she believes are essential for emotional support. “Every child needs a cuddly friend,” Geary mentioned, emphasizing the importance of including a stuffed animal in each bag.

As word of Geary’s project has spread via social media, she has received an overwhelming response from the community. “So far, around 50 individuals have reached out to me, eager to contribute,” she shared. These volunteers range from experienced sewers to novices excited to learn the craft under Geary’s guidance. “If even ten people can commit to creating just one set a week, that would result in 40 new bags each month,” she added optimistically.

To facilitate the distribution of these comfort bags, Geary has teamed up with Nancy Markle, the county coordinator for the Keystone Family Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting foster families. Markle’s organization plays a crucial role in identifying families that need assistance and ensuring the bags reach the children in a timely manner.

Thus far, Geary has produced between 50 to 60 completed sets and takes pride in her ability to uniquely craft each bag utilizing a variety of colors and patterns. Moreover, she labels each bag with tags that declare they are “Handmade with Love,” further emphasizing the personal touch behind each creation.

The community’s response has been remarkable, with donations of fabric, supplies, and stuffed animals pouring in. “Every child deserves something special to call their own,” Geary asserted. “Something that is new and can accompany them as they travel through life’s challenges.”

Geary is actively seeking further community involvement and encourages those interested in supporting this cause to contact her through her Facebook page or to reach out to the Keystone Family Alliance for drop-off locations and volunteer opportunities. To aid in her project, Geary is compiling a wish list of necessary supplies, which she plans to share soon.