A new movement created to help children who are removed from their homes due to crisis circumstances such as abuse, neglect and other factors, has established a chapter in the Valley. Bags of Love is a charitable organization that provides the Department of Family Services with bags filled with items a child would benefit from having when being transitioned to a new living arrangement.
The Canadian Program was started in Alberta in 2009 and is making its way across Canada, and now here in the Valley.
“We recognize that certain children, upon being displaced from their normal or perhaps abnormal home life due to domestic violence and or drug or alcohol abuse, are left with nothing, not even their favourite toy or blanket,” said Bags of Love Volunteer Linda McCullough. “It is our intent that working through the Department of Families, to provide to each of these children, from newborn to age 17, a Bag of Love with age and gender appropriate items for their care and their enjoyment that they can truly call their very own.
“We believe that this small token of love and affection will go far toward helping these children adjust to a foster or adoptive home, whether temporary or permanent. We pray that these children will long cherish their Bag of Love and endeavour to remember other children who might be subjected to the same plight in their growing years.
“When given their very own Bag of Love, it can give them a sense of security, comfort and care to support their emotional and physical wellbeing,” said McCullough.
“While attending a Women’s Retreat in May of this year, Pauline Rogers from North Battleford, SK, spoke on this project that has been moving across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. We were impressed to start a chapter in Swan River, as we believe there is a need in our community and we want to make a difference in a child’s life.
“We officially became a chapter in September and have delivered eight Bags of Love to the Department of Families,” said McCullough. “We plan on delivering more in the near future.”
Items that are new or gently used can be donated to go into the Bags of Love.
“Items suitable for donation could be a handmade quilt/blanket, stuffed toys, dolls, new toys and games or clean and like new condition, school supplies, books, coloring books, journals for older children, flashlights, nightlights, hygiene products such as shampoo, body wash or bar soap, deodorant, sanitary napkins, dental hygiene products, combs/brushes, hair accessories, Kleenex, socks etc.,” said McCullough. “Also, baby items such as diapers, bottles, pacifiers, baby shampoo, lotion, powder, blankets, knitted hats, toys, stuffies, etc.”
The Swan River chapter for Bags of Love is also looking for volunteers to either help put the bags together or to make handmade items to go into them. 
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it also takes a community to make a project for children work,” said McCullough. “It relies on volunteers of all ages and walks of life to meet the needs of displaced children by donating the above items as mentioned.
“If you sew or knit, we can use homemade quilts, baby blankets, bibs, pencil cases or makeup bags, hats, mittens and scarves. Please contact me or Donna Leming.
“We are a nonprofit organization and will be operating through the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church. If someone wishes to make a monetary donation, please make cheques payable to the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church and mark ‘Bags of Love’ and a receipt will be issued. Please contact me at 204-281-0483 or Donna Leming at 204-731-4553 if you have any questions or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”