Fort Myers, FL. Nine Kiwanis Clubs in Division 19 in Florida have agreed to launch Duffle Bag for Foster Children. We plan to do this project throughout the year in the future. Thanks to Day 1 Bags for providing bags to help launch the program. Linda Martin of Kiwanis Florida District is our inspirational leader. Thank you for all you do. God bless Day 1 Bags for all you do to help kids!
Hunter Beatons nonprofit Day1 Bags has made a huge impact on the lives of kiddos all around our great nation. I am so proud of his efforts and action to help this population feel loved and cherished. Way to go Hunter. Thanks for dreaming big and providing for an underrepresented population!!
I have a friend who volunteered at CASA and I often donated my daughter's clothes, including prom dresses, costume jewelry , stuffed animals and used luggage. When Hunter started his Eagle Scout project to have new decent luggage for the foster children , I was so impressed with his ideas and spirit. My friend at CASA was thrilled to see kids with new bags filled with hope. Hunter is an amazing young man and I pray that Day 1 Bags will continue to Thrive. Thank you for all you do Hunter, and all involved in this thoughtful and caring contribution to those in need.
Congratulations to Hunter and his amazing insight into the needs of so many foster children. Continued thanks and appreciation for all you have accomplished and continue to pursue.
Thank you for always giving back to youth in foster care. Your gifts, like the Teddy Bears, mean so much and I think of how kind your organization has been to youth in care.
The world needs more young adults like Hunter. He saw a need t provide dignity for children in the foster system and created a solution. He has grown this local project into a statewide program that serves so many. This is truly love for others put into action!
Day 1Bags is a wonderful organization that gives foster kids some dignity in having something they can call their own when moving place to place. Omethong that seats with them during their many transitions. Hunter is a wonderful person overseeing their operations.
Day 1 Bags became a reality because of charity for 'the other'.
We are ALL willing. Some are willing to ACT, (Hunter Beaton) and some are willing to let them.
Day 1 Bags are evidence of 'goodness' right here in Boerne.
Perhaps the board members making the calculations will 'observe' the contribution as noteworthy.
Shalom,
Fran C
I have lived in Boerne for 45 years. I was so impressed with Hunter Beaton when he chose to help foster children for his eagle scout project. I don't think anyone at the time realized what a gift Hunter and and his Day 1 bags would turn out to be. Through his own experience he found a excellent avenue to earn his golden eagle badge and start a much needed non-profit organization. Thank you to Hunter and all the many people and organizations that have made it possible to help children.
Hunter is such a giving and caring person. He has a beautiful and loving family. It has been so great to see him grow up over the years and see this amazing work that he and his team have done. They continue to touch so many lives.
The Gonyer family
Hunter and his cause- Day 1 Bags is amazing. A very thoughtful young man- helping to love on so many children that may never feel loved or wanted.
What an outstanding young man. He saw a need and acted upon it. It is amazing what he is accomplishing. He certainly is giving these foster children some dignity. I have personal knowledge of foster children and the heartache they go through. Thank you Hunter for being such a kind, caring person.
Day 1 Bags is so much more than just giving a bag to a foster child who would otherwise be given a trash bag to put their belongings in. They teach that foster children that they are special and deserve dignity. They also give a graduation gift to foster kids that helps them start their journey to adulthood. I can’t say enough good things about this Charity. Bravo to Hunter and Team!
Can you imagine going to a Texas Football Game and the home team welcomes you and gives you a t-shirt that says "When you are here, you are home?" Well, Boerne did that and Day 1 Bags made it happen I happen to be a foster parent and it was fantastic to see that another community cares about our community, makes us feel welcome, and ensures that the youth in care feel welcomed! Thank you for an excellent way for an opening game. Oh, and not only that, they sent hundreds of duffel bags and backpacks to our school system from the fundraiser to ensure no child carries a trash bag as luggage.
Day 1 Bags has been a wonderful partner to CASA of Galveston County! We are thankful that they sent us sturdy duffel bags for us to distribute to the children in foster care that we serve. We are able to put items that give comfort and help cushion a difficult time and we are so appreciative of our partnership with this amazing organization.
It was a Christmas Miracle in August!
Boerne Radio 103.9FM hosted an event where we asked the Boerne Business Community to bring a backpack for some special kids in the Comfort ISD in our Love Your Neighbor Campaign. The school said they needed 500 backpacks and I said "we'll commit to getting 100". I then reached out to Day1Bags and ask if our guests can donate to Day1Bags to help us get to our goal. Hunter said "how many do you need" - I said 100 - and he said "DONE!" And 3 days later we got 'em. So now the new goal is 200. After our event we counted 135 more bags - Total 235. So I called Hunter to thank him for helping us exceed our goal. He said "don't you need more? - I'll send you another 200!" - so now we're at 435 - and then PAX Financial pledged $1000 to Day1Bags which means we crossed the 500 mark! Are you kidding???!!!
WOW! Words can't express how thankful we are for Day 1 Bags! BEAR..Be A Resource for CPS Kids in Houston is so grateful to have Day 1 Bags in our corner! During our Back To School program, we needed more clear backpacks, and Day 1 Bags came to the rescue!!! Thanks to them, we can ensure that no child is left without a backpack this school year!! Thank you so very much for making such an impact during our Back to School program this year ~ it truly takes a village!!
Day 1 Bags have supported our organization for a long time now and have donated bags to us several times, we are very thankful to have Day 1 Bags as a close supporter!
Day 1 Bags has ALWAYS generously provided hundreds a bags to our nonprofit R3 Student Outreach. We have enjoyed a fruitful partnership for many years in which they have assisted the youth we serve. They have even gone "beyond the bag" generously donating towards our annual Christmas giveaway events. In 2020 they where instrumental in providing 1,000 gifts for 1,000 youth! We cannot say enough great things about this amazing nonprofit.
As a fellow non-profit with SA Youth's SOAR! Program, I can say without hesitation that Day 1 Bags has done incredible things for the students since our inception. Our mission is to help underserved students in San Antonio to obtain their high school diploma and find high demand, high paying careers in our city. Since we began this program in April of 2020, Day 1 Bags has been there to show their support by providing students with gift bags at each graduation, making scholarships available, and helping us to award those students who excel in our program. The majority of the students we serve come from single parent households or the foster system and, along with those students, we serve the homeless population as part of our YASS program and, without the help of Day 1 Bags, we would not be able to provide for our students in the way in which we have. Day 1 Bags is a blessing to our students, our program, and, above all, the City of San Antonio.
As I completed my college degree at UTSA, I was so excited to overcome all the odds. I am one of the 3%'ers. Day 1 Bags gave me the best gift ever and not only that - a handmade quilt. I have never had anything made JUST FOR ME!! Thank you Day 1 Bags and to the special person who made me. a quilt - thank you!!!
Day 1 Bags shared a tremendous amount of their resources with the people of Uvalde.
Your generosity has been greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work Bluebonnet Children's Advocacy Center Hondo and Uvalde Texas. Thanks again for your caring and sharing.
Day 1 Bags has supported our organization's efforts for the past two years to provide filled backpacks to more than 15o children in an underserved community. We could not be happier and more grateful for this partner. Sharing our commitment to improving communities is so important. Thank you Hunter and Day 1 Bags for ALL you do!
Thank you Day 1 Bags for your generous gift of backpacks and duffel bags! We are thrilled to have your support! Through your donation we have been able to provide backpacks to our children for school and also duffel bags to pack their belongings when they leave. You truly make the difference for our children at St. Peter St. Joseph Children's Home, and we are extremely grateful!
I’m the Program Director for a Foster Group Home for boys in Beaumont Texas, we received our order of free duffel bags, backpacks, sling packs and/or more from Day 1 Bags and our boys were so excited about their new gear! The quality of the bags were great! I couldn’t be more thankful for Day 1 Bags for helping ensure our boys finally can have something other than a trash bag to keep their things in!
Hunter really helped our Foster Care Closet in Omaha, NE by quickly providing duffel bags for youth to use for their clothes! We couldn't be more thankful for this organization! Such a needed service.
Day 1 Bags has given generously to the students at SOAR! They offer support in any way they can. The population we serve typically have small support systems and Day 1 Bags puts their money where there mouth is. Not only do they supply our graduates with bags of daily necessities, but they attend graduations, talk to our students, and Hunter was even our Guest Speaker for graduation. Day 1 Bags is an amazing organization and deserve any and all support they can get from our community.
Hunter was amazing. I put out a call for 250 backpacks for the PATH Program with Alamo Colleges, and within the hour, he responded. The backpacks were delivered in a week. This will help the program tremendously as it will help supply students with the necessary tools to begin their college journey. We are excited to work with Hunter Beaton and Day 1 Bags each year and will continue to help and grow with the program.
Day 1 Bags is great!!!! They donated 250 bags to the P.A.T.H. Foster Youth Program at the Alamo Colleges District for former foster/adopted youth.
As an educator working with underserved youth, it is important to find community partners who can support the work that we do. Day 1 Bags not only supports the work, but provides by generously donating quality backpacks and generous gifts that our students love! Thank you for your partnership, compassion and investing in our students. We are forever grateful!
Day 1 Bags was so generous with their support and graduation gifts when my daughter graduated from the SOAR! program at SA Youth! Day 1 Bags support of the youth served by SA Youth is a wonderful example of nonprofits working together to serve the community. We
Day 1 Bags provided backpacks for our Foster Youth College Students starting college and assisted with bags for our dorm/apartment kits! They have been a wonderful resource for our students and they are so grateful and appreciative! Thank you Day 1 Bags for all your do for our communities and our Students!
My personal story as a client served. I know that my essay says it all.
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I am a student at Texas A&M - San Antonio in my junior year. My freshman year of college was a pretty stressful time (pre-COVID) as I balanced school and finding a job that fit my class schedule. Then in a subtle way, your non-profit came my way.
I was invited to a Thanksgiving meal and $25 gift card courtesy of Day 1 Bags supporters when I was very lonely.
I received a holiday gift of a duffel bag, new jeans, underwear and toiletries around Christmas. I used that card to give a gift to someone else who needed it.
I received another care package around Valentine’s Day (marked #LoveDelivered), which was the perfect time because I really needed a pick me up. There were some chocolates, which I shared with my roommate; fuzzy socks, which kept me warm during that last winter, an awesome Day 1 Backpack, which replaced my old one I had since high school and would not zip up completely and a few other knick-knacks I placed on my desk.
Then with no holiday associated, I requested from my advisor the need for a dining room. Within days, I received it from them courtesy of a Day 1 Bag fundraiser.
Earlier this year, I never took the time to consider where all of these cool gifts came from. Not only were they cool because they helped me stay warm and gave me and my roommate something to snack on, but these items meant a lot to me because of the fact that people took time out of their day to send me a gift. They weren’t forced to create this care package, and they didn’t get any special recognition as the sender was anonymous.
All of these gifts have not only proven to be useful, but have given me a daily reminder of what it is truly like to give to someone less fortunate.
I was once one of those little kids who barely got anything - EVER.
One notecard that was sent from an anonymous donor, I still have on my refrigerator: “One day, I decided to help wherever I could and it was almost like magic because I was exactly what the world needed everywhere I went.”
I never understood that message but now that I do, I feel the urge to take on more community service efforts through Day 1 Bags. I needed it and your supporters were there to help me along the way.
Thank you so much and stay well.
I was referred to Day-1-bags by a friend of mine in Jan 2022 because I am a quilter and she knows that I love to help others! What a perfect combination and opportunity for such a great cause to make quilts for graduating seniors for Foster care students. I was so happy I signed up for 2 quilts and then they sent out a call and said they were short so I made 1 more. What a gratifying feeling and heartwarming experience . Keep doing what you are doing Hunter and the volunteers will keep supporting you and this wonderful mission.
Hunter and the Day 1 Bags team are the most servant hearted people I’ve ever known. I have been so impressed with the growth of the organization in such a short amount of time. They truly make an impact that is transformational for so many.
As a board member, I know we go above and beyond to ensure our fiscal responsibility, donor responses, transparency and outreach is on target for our foster youth population. There is no doubt that a bag does not solve the problem or ease the trauma a child may be going through. However, we know that our bags do provide a sense of dignity and stability. I am so grateful to be on this journey with Day 1 Bags.
St. Peter's CDA Court #2690 just recently partnered with Day 1 Bags to delivery Valentines made by BISD students, as well as donated candy and fuzzy socks/lap blankets, to the Senior facilities (nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted living facilities) in Boerne. What a wonderful project to remember our elderly citizens in this special way. We hope this becomes a yearly project!!
Barbara Vogt, Regent CDA Court #2690
Day 1 Bags is a wonderful organization which is led by people who have genuine giving hearts and a love for all these kids. This organization is run so well and the donations are used to make huge differences in these children’s lives. They give dignity to children and teens and I know the impacts Day 1 Bags has made is large and so important. The organization also make such an impact on the general population with the awareness of foster kids and issues they face.
Day 1 Bags has given so many children the opportunity to not only gain college scholarships and educational funds but also the dignity to have a place to put their things when moving in between homes in the foster system. This non-profit has grown over such a short of period or time and has shown outstanding potential for both growth and impact in the lives of foster care system children.
Day 1 Bags has changed the lives of many underserved in our community and it is a gift to see all the youth that have been impacted by their generosity.
Our foster care shelter needed duffle bags for kids who leave our care. They come with nothing but trash bags sometimes. I reached out to Day 1 Bags, and within days we received a shipment of over 100 bags at our door! Foster kids deserve to leave with luggage, not trash bags and boxes. Thank you for your charity work!
day1bags 03/01/2022
Thank you Legacy Austin! We appreciate the work you do for others!
Day 1 Bags is a wonderful organization run by wonderful people. Their mission is near and dear to my heart and the hearts of our staff at Clarity Child Guidance Center in San Antonio. Because of Day 1 Bags, many of the children that enter our care will be able to go home with a brand new duffel bag filled with appropriate goodies. Not only is Day 1 Bags generous, but they are very personable, professional, hands-on, and efficient in their communication. We look forward to maintaining a relationship with Hunter and Paula and all of the organization for years to come.
Nothing, but wonderful things to say :)
Day 1 Bags filled the need for every child re serve in out CASA program. We are so thankful for community partners like Day 1 Bags who make sure our kids feel seen, heard and cared for! Your mission is valued and much needed! Keep up the great work!
Day 1 bags has generously donated backpacks to our organization, Spokane Angels, to use in our work with foster families and foster children! We can't wait to be able to provide these as needed for families in our program and waitlist. A brand new backpack can make all the difference in the world for a child who has been through hard times and is one less thing for the caregivers to have to focus on when they receive a new placement. Thanks Day 1!!!!
We are so blessed to receive back packs from Day 1 bags. We work with kids who come from abuse and neglect, and for kids to have a nice bag to start there next chapter in there lives is rewarding to them, and they feel as if someone really cares. We could not do this without there help!
Day1Bags provides strategic resources for the foster youth population served at CitySquare TRAC (Transition Resource Action Center) in Dallas, TX. As youth age out and are in need of carrying cases for their clothing, resources, school supplies, and work gear, the shipment of bags are coming in handy for our youth. Thank you so much for these wonderful bags. Our youth excited to receive them and appreciate its practical use.
Being able to distribute these bags to our youth has been a tremendous help. We are beyond appreciative for having these bags available. We have been able to provide to youth that do not have luggage and are going to college, and to a youth who no longer has any personal belongings due to a tragic house fire.
Hunter and his organization is a huge inspiration to young generation in our community. His accomplishments and what he does truly shows his passion in life!
Day 1 Bags generously donated bags for the foster care youth we serve! They have helped so many youth!!
Hunter was able to enlighten us on so much that we needed to know. The number of young adults and children that in need of self-esteem is staggering.
I am new to this nonprofit organization however I strongly believe in this venture and will begin to support it yearly.
I have been observing Day 1 Bags since it began as an Eagle Scout project and has grown to a thriving non-profit with far-reaching effects. The joy and enthusiasm that Hunter Beaton and his family bring to this organization is so inspiring. They are always so cheerful and kind. Day 1 Bags recently donated 65 backpacks to the fund-raising project at my workplace for a local elementary school. It was hard to tell who was happier about the donation, them or us! Thank you Day 1 Bags for your giving spirit and all that you do to support your community - and beyond.
Day 1 Bags assisted us with a very generous donation of backpacks during a recent school supply drive we held for Boone Elementary in San Antonio and Curington Elementary in Boerne, Texas. Hunter Beaton and his family are doing great work helping students in the local area thrive, in addition to their primary mission of helping maintain the dignity of foster children with quality bags to hold their items when they move to a family setting. Day 1 Bags is making a huge difference for children in need! Karla Sarran - Marketing Director, United Texas Credit Union
Amazing to hear the presentation, study the website and see the impact of the Day1Bag programs in action. Our County purchased 50 bags for just $1 each! and provides them to CPS as they work cases for our children. Thank you to the hard work of the Hunter and his family. Really love his "accomplishments" one page reports also -- shows exactly how donor funds impact the community.
Day 1 Bags is committed to ensuring simple needs with a fantastic bag are met for so many foster youth. Thank you for caring.
Wow!!! The quality of the bags provided by Day 1 Bags are AMAZING!! I've had case managers comment with a gracious 'Thank you' for first, providing duffel bags for our foster children's moves, and second, for providing such great quality bags that they will be able to use for years to come. Hunter found our group home organization, and in such a short time, has made a huge, positive impact on our program and children alike. I am grateful for such a great non-profit providing such a great service to our foster siblings.
Margaret Jordan
President/CEO
DREAM Group Homes, Inc.
Thank you to Day 1 Bags for running a fantastic Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 campaign for our foster youth. Your effort has made such a difference during COVID, making sure these youth know they are celebrated for this accomplishment. What an amazing organization truly making a difference in lives of others.
Day 1 Bags is providing high-quality bags for children experiencing foster care, and doing an incredible job! Their products are military grade, meant for a lifetime, and are sleek and unassuming in design. We share the belief that children in care deserve the best - not the bargain basement version of their needs. Day 1 Bags is making sure that they have the very best bags. Hunter is responsive and passionate about his work, and it shows in the daily operations.
When I was in foster care, I’d receive presents from a local charity. The workers would ask, what is on your Christmas wishlist? I answered “to go back home to my mom.” That never happened.
The grief and pain of never being reunified with my mom still lingers on. However, my new bag offers me connection, hope and dignity.
Here is the truth about the meaning behind my bag:
-sometimes going to unfamiliar places throughout the day, my bag is where I can take a piece of home with me wherever I go.
-It makes me feel like I am prepared for anything.
-It's also very special to me because it’s new, great quality and dependable.
-I guess you could say my bag is like my best friend :) It hangs out with me all day long.
-I cannot survive without it
- you never know when you just need whatever random thing might be in your bag
-My bag is my life... Without it I feel naked
Thank you Day 1 Bags. Life is better with my new bag - I feel connected.
Day 1 Bags went above and beyond to include the children of New Horizons in their mission!
We were gifted 100 high-quality backpacks for our foster children and children in residential treatment to enjoy! The kids are very excited to have something of their own to take with them on whatever journey they are headed toward!
Thank you, Day 1 Bags, for being sensitive to the needs of children in our care!
Wow- what a difference Day 1 Bags has made in the State of Texas. I am the President for Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards and have seen the difference Day 1 Bags has made in the lives of hundreds of Foster Children in the State. Not only have they provided quality bags for children who have been removed from Abuse and Neglect situations at very reduced prices, they have actually donated hundreds of bags to Local Child Welfare Boards across the State. Texas has 190 active counties with Child Welfare Boards that take care of thousands of children. Ten percent of all the children in the USA reside in Texas. Day 1 Bags have made a positive impact on these children over the past 4 years. Hunter Beaton, it's creator has even been awarded the "Champion for Texas Children Award" in 2018 for the work he has done for Texas Children.
This is a fantastic organization that helps foster children. I love Hunter's passion for these children and his commitment to make a difference in the lives of foster children in need.
I love my bag! Best bag I ever had. It held everything I ever needed to move from shelter to shelter.
Day 1 Bags provides dignity to an overlooked population and has forged ties all across the US. Hunter Beaton, CEO has a heart of gold and works non stop to ensure the impact of the organization is felt throughout the US. Personally hearing testimonies from those in care has encouraged me to ask myself - "What more can I do" - Thank you DAY 1 Bags for not just being a hometown hero but an American Hero as well!
I work often with service efforts for Day 1 Bags. Each time, I always know we have made a big difference in a foster youth's life. The bags are fantastic and durable. I even have one myself.
Day 1 bags is an amazing Non-profit organization who care about every child who gets a bag and love to see the smile on children face. I feel like day 1 bags changes children lives one bag at a time . Just amazing people and organization
Day 1 Bags is very transparent and always attentive to every donation I have made. I am now a monthly donor.
The best bag ever. I always wanted to feel confident with my items. This is by far the best bag I have ever had.