Carrying

Compassion

to

Kids

in

Need

✶

Carrying Compassion to Kids in Need ✶

GET INVOLVED

Luggage for love donate yellow toy dump truck

luggage for love illustrated donate basketball

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

luggage for love adopted child wearing green costume mask

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.

❄️Fall into Winter with Luggage for Love

This fall really meant a lot to all of us at Luggage for Love. It showed just how generous and caring our community truly is. With the help of so many incredible donors and partners, especially Birthday Wishes of Long Island, we were able to collect and distribute over 250 brand-new duffle bags throughout the fall and into winter.

As the weather has gotten colder, the need has only increased, but so has the support. Seeing people show up again and again has been incredibly inspiring and reminds us all why this work matters so much.

🤝 Partnerships & What’s Ahead

This winter, we will continue building meaningful partnerships with CASA of Long Island, the National Charity League (NCL), and local Boy Scout troops. As with our fall collections, our winter drives will continue to be teen-focused, as teens are the most vulnerable, frequently moved between placements, and too often overlooked.

📰 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
1. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
2. Email us to coordinate shift time.