HUNTSVILLE, ALA. –
Foster children are no stranger to constantly moving from home to home. In fact, roughly 23,000 across the country experience this constant change of residence each year. Due to these moves and their lack of personal possessions many times the few belongings that they do have are carried from place to place in a black plastic garbage bag.
“Placing the things that a child holds dear, their only possessions into a garbage bag creates a subliminal message for these children that is simply not acceptable”, said Jana Kuner, Huntsville International Airport Public Relations Manager. “That is why, Huntsville International Airport has partnered with Kids to Love Foundation to Foster Change through the HSV Bags of Hope campaign. HSV has direct access to the traveling public and we know our community is very generous so we developed the campaign to collect travel bags for local children in foster care. We are asking our customers to survey their bags when packing for their next trip. If they see that they have some that are gently used, but just taking up space, we’re encouraging them to donate them the next time that they fly. HSV will then provide them to Kids to Love so that these children will have a more suitable suitcase.”

“Children living in foster care are often forced to move from home to home with nothing but garbage bags to hold their belongings. Our kids deserve better. Luggage provides a sense of normalcy for children navigating the constant change that is foster care.” -Lee Marshall, Kids to Love Founder & CEO

Huntsville International Airport is encouraging that passengers drop off bags that they would like to donate at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel check-in desk. The bags can be gently used or brand new. Bags can be donated when a passenger is flying HSV or customers may bring them to the airport and drop them off at anytime. The first 30 minutes for parking in the parking garage is free so customers will incur no cost as a result of the visit. The HSV Bags of Hope drive is slated to take place through March 31, but will continue based on participation.

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Twitter: @FLYHSV

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About Kids to Love Foundation
Kids to Love Foundation is committed to finding forever families for foster children. They work to created lifelong bonds by recruiting adoptive parents. Kids to Love helps foster children succeed through educational programs, including career opportunities. Additional information is available at www.kidstolove.org.

About Huntsville International Airport
The Port of Huntsville operating entities include: Huntsville International Airport (HSV), International Intermodal Center, Jetplex Industrial Park, Signature Flight Support, Four Points Sheraton, Sunset Landing Golf Course and Foreign Trade Zone #83. Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is the largest commercial airport in North Alabama, serving over 1 million passengers annually. For more information, visit http://www.flyhuntsville.com/.