Our Story
One experience. One idea. A mission to make sure no child carries their belongings in a trash bag.
One Experience. A Mission That Grew.
Bags For Buddies began with a childhood experience that founder JackEdward Schmick never forgot.
What started as a simple idea in 2016 has grown into a mission to help children entering foster care carry their belongings with dignity, comfort, and hope.
to a Bag of Their Own.
Changing lives, one bag at a time.
It Started With a Trash Bag.
When JackEdward Schmick entered the foster care system at age five, his belongings were carried in a trash bag.
Entering foster care is already an overwhelming experience. For a child facing an uncertain transition, the way their belongings are carried can leave a lasting impression.
After being adopted at age ten, JackEdward never forgot that moment—or what it taught him about the importance of dignity.
Years later, he decided to turn that experience into action.
From Personal Experience to Purpose.
Explore the milestones that shaped the mission behind Bags For Buddies.
The Experience That Started It All
Entering foster care at age five, JackEdward experienced having his belongings carried in a trash bag. The memory would later inspire a mission centered on dignity.
A Small Change. A Powerful Message.
Bags For Buddies works to replace trash bags with new bags and essential items for children entering foster care.
A Trash Bag
A practical container, but one that can make a difficult transition feel even more impersonal for a child.
A Bag of Their Own
Something a child can keep, carry, and call their own— accompanied by essential items and a reminder that people care.
Every Child Deserves Dignity, Comfort, and Hope.
Bags For Buddies exists to provide children entering foster care with bags of their own, replacing trash bags and bringing communities together to support children during uncertain transitions.
Turning Our Mission Into Action.
What began with one idea now reaches into several areas of support for children and young people with foster care experience.
Buddie Bag Program
Providing new bags and essential items to children entering foster care.
Why This Matters +
A bag provides a place for a child's belongings and can help make a difficult transition feel more personal and respectful.
Next Chapter Scholarships
Helping foster youth pursue educational goals, including college and trade school opportunities.
Why This Matters +
Our mission extends beyond the moment a child enters care. We also believe in supporting young people as they pursue their futures.
Community Partnerships
Bringing businesses, schools, organizations, and volunteers together to support foster youth.
Why This Matters +
Local partnerships, donation drives, community events, and volunteer support help turn compassion into practical action.
Our Story Continues With You.
The work of Bags For Buddies is made possible by people who choose to turn care into action.
Give
Help support the bags, supplies, and programs that serve foster youth.
Explore Giving →Lead
Explore opportunities to bring the mission to your campus or local community.
Explore Chapters →Connect
Share a partnership idea, ask a question, or find another way to help.
Send Us a Message →Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you want to get involved, organize a donation drive, explore a partnership, or simply learn more, we'd like to hear from you.
Send us a message using the contact form below.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Send us a quick message and let’s start changing lives together.