Empowering Children with Comfort and Essentials

History and Origin

Back in 2011, Tracey McMahon was called to escort three children back to Georgia. She noticed that all their belongings were in individual black trash bags. This led her to help each child get a backpack filled with essentials. Her mom, Debbie Gori, was inspired and started Adventure Bags. It was a passion that has continued to grow.

Today, with the help of a small team of volunteers and partners like PetSmart and Bombas, Adventure Bags has served over 51,000 children across every county in the state. Their efforts have expanded even further this year, sending backpacks to Georgia children affected by Hurricane Helene and providing support to students at Apalachee High School.

The Mission and Impact

Misty Manus, the executive director, started with the organization as a volunteer, making donations of stuffed animals. She fell in love with the mission and now ensures that backpacks are filled with comfort items, hygiene products, books, and more for children in need. Each bag is carefully inspected by Linda Morrison, the head volunteer, to ensure it meets the highest standards.

"We all need that comfort. No matter how old we are. When trauma or crisis knocks on our door, a stuffed animal, a blanket can go a long way, no matter the age," said Manus. The reaction of children when they receive these bags is truly heartwarming – seeing them wrap themselves in blankets or hug their stuffed animals.

Future Plans

Adventure Bags has outgrown its current space and is now hoping to move into a "forever home" with enough room to store all the goods needed to fill even more bags in the future. Their work is not only making a difference in the lives of children but also inspiring others to get involved.

If you want to learn more about Adventure Bags or how you can contribute, you can visit their website. Together, we can continue to support these children and provide them with the comfort and essentials they need during difficult times.