UPDATE & PICTURES from Day Middle Schools Pallet of Luggage for Operation Santa Clause IE

One of our Holiday Luggage pallets was shipped to Day Middle School in Temecula. Once the luggage was filled with toys for the foster & shelter children in their area they sent me pictures prior to the shipment being picked up for delivery. I am so happy that the students, faculty, and staff chose to make a difference this holiday season by helping so many children who are in need. Thank you again Day Middle School... I am so proud of you all!

Gold Coast Travellarians Holiday Party

Last night I was treated to a wonderful dinner as the guest speaker at the Gold Coast Travellarians Holiday Party. To my surprise each of the members of this non-profit organization brought a suitcase or made a cash donation to Luggage of Love. After speaking to the group I was approached by a striking young woman who confided in me that her childhood was very similar to mine. It is always a rare and precious moment when you meet someone else who has had a similar past and has risen above and became victorious rather than a victim. Thank you Debbie Carpenter for this wonderful opportunity, I had an amazing time.

University of Redlands Temecula Campus Luggage Shipment for Operation Santa Clause IE

Today I sent a luggage shipment to The University of Redlands Temecula Campus. Thank you Miguel Aranda for getting your class involved in the Holiday Luggage program. Your thoughtfulness is making this Holiday Season better for children in foster & shelter care in your area.

Benton Photography

All I can say is WOW! Thank you Sharon & Scot Benton of Studio B Benton Photography for the B-E-A-U-TIFUL photos and to Austin Ryde of Edge Artistry for the gorgeous hair and makeup. My family and I had a wonderful time in Northern California with you three. To anyone on the west coast who needs
pictures for any occasion, I HIGHLY recommend Benton Photography. You will get amazing photos plus have a fantastic time taking them! Click on the link below to view their website.
bentonphotography.net

A visit to the Placer County Children's Shelter

Last Sunday while in NorCal I stopped by one of the shelters I send pallets of luggage to. I dropped off a signed photograph of myself that read:

To all of the children who enter this shelter,
anything is possible as long as you believe.
♥ Dedria Brunett,
Miss California International 2012,
Founder of Luggage of Love,
and former foster & shelter child
xoxo

Advokids

Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Advokids up north in the Bay Area. Advokids is a legal resource for California foster children and their advocates. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending the rights and meeting the needs of children who are in the California foster care system due to abuse or neglect at home.

I met with Margaret and her team of lawyers to learn more about their non-profit and how I can help. Advokids provides direct legal assistance, support and education to foster children and their advocates, including lawyers, CASA volunteers, FFAs, social
workers, mental health providers, and foster and adoptive parents.

For example, when I was finally granted the right to be adopted it took 2 long painful years to be finalized. Advokids would have helped out by giving us FREE legal advise on how to speed things along. This is such a wonderful non-profit that truly aids those having troubles understanding the process and legality issues behind adopting foster children. Please visit their website to learn more about this vital resource.

www.advokids.org

Day Middle School Holiday Luggage for Operation Santa Clause IE

I am so proud of the students at Day Middle School who are making the difference in the lives of many children in foster care. Each piece of luggage that was sent will be filled with toys, a blanket, and personal items that were on each child's wish list. Please consider doing the same in your area for the many children who will go without this holiday season. A little goes a long way!