Our Story
One experience. One idea. A mission to make sure no child carries their belongings in a trash bag.
It Started With a Trash Bag.
When JackEdward Schmick entered the foster care system as a child, his belongings were carried in a trash bag.
For a child experiencing an already overwhelming transition, that moment left a lasting impression. A trash bag may be practical, but it can also send a message to a child about how their belongings—and, in turn, how they feel—are valued.
After being adopted at age ten, JackEdward never forgot that experience.
In 2016, he founded Bags For Buddies with a simple goal: to make sure children entering foster care have something of their own to carry their belongings in—something that represents dignity, comfort, and hope instead of uncertainty.
What began as one young person's effort to help children in his community has grown into a movement powered by volunteers, donors, partners, caseworkers, and communities across New Jersey, with a vision to eventually reach children nationwide.
More Than a Bag.
Today, Bags For Buddies provides new, various bags and essential items to children entering the foster care system.
But the bag is only the beginning.
We believe a child deserves to have something that belongs to them during a time when so much of their life may feel uncertain. Every bag is an opportunity to provide comfort, dignity, and a reminder that someone cares.
Through our programs, partnerships, donation drives, volunteers, and community events, we work to turn that belief into action—one child and one bag at a time.
Our Mission
Bags For Buddies exists to provide children entering foster care with dignity, comfort, and hope by replacing trash bags with bags of their own.
We bring communities together to support children during one of the most uncertain moments of their lives—and we work toward a future where every child entering foster care has something they can call their own.
How We Make an Impact
Providing children entering foster care with new bags and essential items.
Bringing businesses, schools, teams, organizations, and volunteers together around the mission.
Helping foster youth pursue college, trade school, and their next chapter.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Send us a quick message and let’s start changing lives together.