Carrying
Compassion
to
Kids
in
Need
✶
Carrying Compassion to Kids in Need ✶
Luggage for Love is a registered 501(c)(3) dedicated to bringing dignity, comfort, and hope to children in foster care and transitional living in Nassau County, Long Island. By collecting and distributing brand-new duffle bags packed with essential items and a comforting personal item, we strive to ensure every child feels valued, respected, and supported through life’s most challenging transitions. Since our launch in 2024, we’ve proudly delivered over 1,000 bags, and we’re just getting started!
Our Mission
Our Founder
Alexander Lo Russo
My name is Alexander Lo Russo. In 2024, I started Luggage for Love because of something my mom shared with me. She’s a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and part of her volunteer work is supporting children in the foster care system. One day, she told me how many of these children end up carrying all their belongings in garbage bags when they’re removed from their home or taken to a new placement. Hearing this really upset me, it just seemed so unfair and demeaning.
I started to think about what it must feel like to not only lose your home and sense of security, but also your dignity in the process. Even something as simple as having a real bag to carry your belongings can be a powerful reminder that you matter, that you’re cared for, and that your life is not disposable. That thought became the spark that started Luggage for Love.
The goal of Luggage for Love is to provide a bit of hope and compassion to children who are going through a really tough time. It’s about showing them that even though they might not have control over where they live, they at least have something of their own to carry what matters to them, and that there are people out there who believe in their worth.
Of all the children in foster care, teenagers are the most likely to be shifted around from home to home or put into group homes. For this reason, many of our drives will specifically focus on teenagers.
❄️Winter with Luggage for Love
This winter has really shown us how many people care. Our community stepped up in a big way and, because of that support, especially from Birthday Wishes of Long Island, we were able to collect and distribute over 350 brand-new duffel bags throughout the fall and winter months.
As it has gotten colder, the need has grown, but so has the kindness around us. Seeing volunteers, families, and students keep coming back to help has meant a lot and reminds us why this project matters.
🤝 Partnerships & What’s Ahead
This winter we are continuing to grow. Along with working with CASA of Long Island, the National Charity League (NCL), and local Boy Scout troops, we are now also partnering with Girl Scout troops so young children can help support other children their own age entering foster care.
We are also trying to build a partnership with the Department of Social Services (DSS) so Luggage for Love bags can be given directly to children right when they are removed from their homes, so they do not have to carry their belongings in trash bags from the very start.
We continue to focus on teens because they are moved between placements the most and are often overlooked. Our goal is to give them comfort and to let them know someone is thinking about them during a really difficult time.
📰 LFL News
Luggage for Love is now officially a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which is a huge milestone for us. What started as a small idea has grown into something powered by community, compassion, and shared purpose. This step allows us to reach more children and partner with even more organizations across Nassau County.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
🚙Volunteer to Drive
Volunteer drivers are needed every Monday and Wednesday from 10AM to 2PM to deliver donations to Birthday Wishes.
🎒Donate a Bag
Purchase a 19–20" NEW duffle bag.
Fill it with toiletries, small necessities, and one comfort item.
Tag it with the age range you’re donating for (infant to 21).
Drop it off at donation center at allotted time or email us for a pick up.
🙋♂️Work an Event
Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Email us to coordinate shift time.
= Event to Donate (blue)
= Volunteer to Drive (red)
Volunteer drivers are needed every Monday and Wednesday from 10AM to 2PM to deliver donations to Birthday Wishes.
Get Involved
There are several ways to help*:
Donate a NEW duffle bag.
Collect and organize bags at a drive.
Load bags into transport vehicles.
Volunteer to drive these donations to Birthday Wishes of Long Island.
*Community Service Hours Can Be Earned!
Contact Info
- OR -
