Loretta Edelen, director of community outreach, and ACC student Kenya Woods, with luggage donated by Samsung.

Austin Community College student Kenya Woods faced a problem when she graduated from high school. Like many others emerging from the foster care system, she had nothing to put her belongings in when she left her foster residence. But thanks to ACC’s annual luggage drive, Woods was equipped to take the next step in her life.

“When you’re living in foster care, you don’t have much besides the people you live with,” Woods says. “Even though a piece of luggage doesn’t seem like that much, it gave me the extra push I needed to make it on my own.”

For the fourth year, the ACC Foster Care Program is collecting new luggage (preferably carry-on, rolling duffels) and contributions toward the purchase of new luggage. Donations are accepted at all campuses or online.

Last year, the drive collected 80 pieces of luggage and $1,000 in donations.

“This year we want to surpass that amount, as we have even more students in need,” says Loretta Edelen, director of community outreach. “Many times, foster kids have to leave with all their belongings in a garbage bag or pillowcase. We are trying to give them brand new pieces of luggage to help with their transition to adulthood.”

Luggage may be left with campus representatives. Monetary donations may be made at any campus cashier’s office or by credit card through the online ACC Marketplace (accessible under eServices on the ACC homepage).

For more information, contact a campus representative.

• Eastview: Â Marshall at 223.5197
• Cypress: Sylvia at 223.2106
• Northridge: Lee at 223.4877
• Pinnacle: Guadalupe at 223.8110
• Rio Grande: Roz at 223.3150
• Riverside: Chris at 223.6203
• Round Rock: Kathy at 223.0040
• South Austin: Ruth at 223.9158
• Highland Business Center: Dahlia at 223.7595
• Service Center: Phyllis at 223.1098

The drive officially continues through May 6, but donations will be accepted after that date.