Suburban volunteers pack 850 bags for women leaving shelters

Irv's Luggage in Vernon Hills organized a packing event at the Wheeling Park District to support women exiting domestic violence shelters. The business, a long-time backer of Luggage for Freedom, provided the venue for the effort, which gathered roughly 100 volunteers to prepare supplies for new beginnings.

Participants sorted and filled 450 suitcases with new towels, sheets, and toiletries. The group also packed 400 backpacks designed for children accompanying their mothers. These items are collected throughout the year by the local business and distributed to help survivors establish independence.

Renee Silverman, who oversees the collection, said the organization aims to convey that the community cares. "We fill the luggage with items that we think are necessary for them to start over," she said. "We hope we are conveying the message that we see you, we hear you, we think of you, and we care about you."

Janis Douglas, a volunteer for the past three years, joined the effort initially as a packer. She recalled delivering suitcases to shelters and described her emotional response to the work. "My heart is overflowing, overflowing," Douglas said.

Dana Price, who has supported the program since its launch, emphasized the importance of mutual support. "I love women helping women," Price said. "I think it's important that we look out for one another and there's still so many more women that we need to reach."

Luggage for Freedom coordinates these donations to ensure women have the basics required for temporary housing after leaving shelters. The program relies on local businesses and volunteers to maintain a steady supply of new goods for distribution.