There are more than 3,000 kids in Orange County foster care right now, and many don't have much to call their own. It's a life-changing transition, so setting them up for success is critical.
Just over a year ago, Debby Thrailkill started a passion project called "My Own A Case for Kids" with 4 suitcases and a lot of love.
Debby says the idea started around Christmas when she got her grandkids to gather clothing and supplies to fill suitcases for children in need.
She had each grandchild write a letter of encouragement to the person receiving the suitcase, "Telling them that people care about them and that they're strong and that they're amazing and keep doing your best," Thrailkill told Heroes Host Heather Jorden.
Debby Thrailkill
By the end of 2024, Debby, with the help of many volunteers, filled and gifted over 750 suitcases and travel duffel bags.
"We were so thankful and just grateful that we could serve like this. It's such a feel-good project," Debby said. "We're just trying to spread love just as far and wide as we can."
Along with the loving handwritten note, each case is filled to the brim with hygiene products, pajamas, clothing, blankets, and bedding items for the kids to call their own.
"Kids wear hoodies to school, and when they have that, they can walk in and sit down at their desk and feel like they fit in with their peers; it helps them learn," said Debby.
For 2025, Debby wants to expand her numbers and give cases to at least half the foster kids in the county. She also wants to assist local programs and projects run by children who want to help their classmates and peers.
Debby Thrailkill
"The kids are great at collecting items. They're really enthused about it, and once the kids learn about being able to help children their own age and children their own size, they're more than willing to do it, and I feel like that stays in their heart forever."
Connect with Debby and her work HERE.
Check out all our KNX Heroes here.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
