NATCHEZ — It’s stressful enough to constantly move from place to place in foster care, but it’s even harder without proper luggage.

Earlene Singleton, caseworker for the Adams County office of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, said oftentimes foster children lose luggage as they’re moving.

“It’s a constant replacement cycle,” she said.

With approximately 75 children in the foster program in Adams County, Singleton said DHS can use any help they can get.

“We work with about eight counties, but all kids are our kids,” she said. “So hopefully we can share (whatever we get) with some other children, too.”

Singleton said donated luggage would preferably have handles that are easy for kids to use, like a duffle bag would, but the department appreciates all donations.

Adams County serves foster children from birth to age 21.

“If they’re in custody when they become 20 or 21 years old and permanency hasn’t been achieved for them, we’ll keep them in custody,” Singleton said.

Permanency is achieved when one is able to live independently, but 21 is generally the cutoff age, she said.

“Some of (the older kids in foster care) haven’t gotten their GEDs, and we have some kids that are in college,” Singleton said. “At the ages of 18, 19 and 20, some of them are still in high school.”

Though the department needs luggage more than anything right now, Singleton said hygiene products and clothing are always needed.

“If someone has something to donate, they can call us (at 601-446-8521), and we’ll be able to tell them if kids can use those items,” she said. “Whatever we receive we’ll be very appreciative of, and our kids will be also.”

Donations can be dropped off at the department at 150 East Franklin St.

If you have donations and would prefer that someone from the department come to pick them up, call Singleton at 601-442-7031.