Teen Collects 170 Suitcases So Foster Kids Can Ditch Trash Bags

Grayson Herr couldn't shake the image from his mind: children carrying their entire world in a trash bag.

The Marist High School student was brainstorming ideas for his Eagle Scout project when he discovered that foster children often move between homes with their belongings stuffed into plastic garbage bags or cardboard boxes. The message struck him hard.

"When you give them a trash bag, you're just saying that they are trash," Herr said. "They're already in a bad situation, and now you are just giving them a five cent bag to put their whole world into."

So the rising senior launched a luggage donation drive through his church, Christ the King Catholic Church in Chicago. His initial goal was 150 to 200 pieces of luggage. With three days left in the drive, he had already collected 170 suitcases, duffel bags, roller bags, and backpacks.

The donated luggage will go to Lutheran Child and Family Services in Joliet, helping foster children carry their belongings with dignity during transitions between homes. According to Susan Thomas of the Archdiocese of Chicago, proper luggage offers these children "dignity and respect during difficult transitions."

Herr coordinated the final push by making donation asks at all weekend masses, giving parishioners multiple opportunities to contribute. People can drop off luggage at the church rectory during business hours or hand it directly to Herr at Mass.

Why This Inspires

What makes this story even more meaningful is the full circle moment Herr experienced. When he pitched the idea to his parents, his mother revealed she had run a similar luggage drive when Grayson was much younger. The lesson she planted years ago came back to life through her son's compassion.

The project represents just one piece of Herr's journey to Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting America. He still needs to complete other requirements, including earning 21 merit badges and writing a letter about his life purpose. But this project clearly shows he already understands what truly matters.

For those who want to help but don't have luggage to donate, Herr encourages people to give money directly to Lutheran Child and Family Services at lcfs.org and dedicate it to his Eagle Scout project.

Sometimes the smallest gestures carry the biggest message: you matter, your belongings matter, and you deserve better than a trash bag.