“[Foster children] often carry their few belongings in trash bags, so then they get this sense that they are ‘disposable’,” said Holly Jones, a local artist based in Kennesaw, about Georgia’s foster children. Then, a personal story from friend, and now partner, Lesa MacGregor, and a call for suitcases on the weekly television feature, "Wednesday’s Child", Jones’ had an idea to give back.
“A suitcase is great, but if it had Superman, Scooby-Doo, or even flowers, I could only imagine how special it would be for a child who doesn’t have anything of their own,” said Jones, who owns The Painted Butterfly, an art gallery in Downtown Kennesaw.
Jones recently launched Cases for Kids in partnership with MacGregor, owner of Elle Michelle Photography, to make an impact in foster children’s lives. “I was living out of paper bags,” recalled MacGregor, originally from Athens, about her teen years. “I would be overcome if someone used to offer me something as simple as a ride to the grocery store, so I can only imagine what would go through a young child’s head when they receive a suitcase that was given to and then personalized for them by someone they didn’t even know.”
What makes these suitcases special is that Jones personally paints them with cartoon characters, superheroes and inserts positive messages through letters that go into each suitcase. “If someone donates a suitcase, we would love that they tell the story behind it with a letter so the child will know where it has come from ,” said Jones, who actively uses her art to give back to the community.
The two-month-old idea is off to a fast start as local businesses are partnering up as drop-off points for suitcases, but is certainly in need of more help. “In addition to getting suitcases donated, if there is any place such as a business or a church that wants to become a drop-off or an art store wants to donate supplies, we would love to have them become a part of this initiative,” said MacGregor.
Jones, who has been painting since she could remember, added, “Art is my passion and if I can take something that I love amd pay it forward to someone in need, I could not ask for more .”
To get involved with Cases For Kids, visit www.thepaintedbutterflykennesaw.com
CAPTIONS
1. Holly Jones, co-founder of Cases For Kids, displayed her ready-to-go suitcases last Saturday at her art gallery, The Painted Butterfly, located in downtown Kennesaw. The donated suitcases are refurbished and personalized by Jones, which will then be donated to foster children around Georgia. Devika Rao, doing.goodajc@gmail.com
2. Jackie Jones (from left), Holly Jones and Lesa MacGregor displayed the ready-to-go suitcases last Saturday at the art gallery, The Painted Butterfly, located in downtown Kennesaw. Jackie Jones will be working on coordinating donating the suitcases, which are refurbished and personalized by Holly Jones, for kids in rural areas starting with Tallapoosa, Ga., the Jones' hometown. Devika Rao, doing.goodajc@gmail.com
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