Annie Wignall became the founder, director, and president of the Care Bags Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps abused, disadvantaged, and displaced kids. Here’s how she did it.

Recognized A Need: Annie heard from her mom (a child abuse prevention educator) that at a meeting, someone suggested collecting small, hotel-size soaps and bottles of shampoo as supplies for kids in a crisis.

Brainstormed: After much thought, Annie decided other essentials and fun items should be added to the list, such as combs, crayons, books, journals, toys, and gift certificates. She wanted the items placed in a beautiful Care Bag that kids could keep forever and know that someone cares about them and wants them to be happy.

Set Realistic Goals: Annie learned that each month over 30 kids in her county leave their home in a crisis. She set a goal to make and fill 30 to 50 Care Bags each month. She then committed her goals and plans to paper.

Asked For Help: Annie asked local human service agencies to distribute Care Bags, volunteers to sew them, and businesses to donate the gift items. “I learned there’s a lot of nice grown-ups who want to help kids,” she said. “All I had to do was ask.” After she received help, she wrote and sent each a letter or card of appreciation.

Added a Personal Touch: Annie filled each bag and labeled it for a boy or girl. She attached a laminated poem to each of 3 style age-appropriate bags.

Handled Problems: “The hardest part is never meeting the kids or seeing their faces when they open the Care Bags,” she explained. So, she began to include an evaluation form. One mother wrote that her child carried it everywhere he went and even slept with it. Another wrote, “It’s so nice to receive something when everything is falling apart.”

Devoted Long Hours and Expanded What Works: As needs increased, Annie contacted sewing classes all over Iowa and asked for help.

Shared Information and Inspired Others: Annie kept people updated through a newsletter and a website. She provided a starter kit for those who wanted to form their own chapter.

Annie explained, “Even though we’re young, we can make a big difference in the world by the little things we do…When a community works together for a good cause, good things are bound to happen.”
(Newton, Iowa: 2002)