Instructions
Bringing comfort and a bright future to every foster child!
First and foremost,
thank you
Thank you for creating and donating these Hope Totes to foster children in need. It’s difficult to imagine, but being removed from even an abusive home is profoundly traumatic. In Travis County alone, about 60 children enter foster care each month, often with just a trash bag for their belongings.
The experience
As participants, you will learn about the challenges faced by youth in foster care and the mission of Hope Totes, an Austin based nonprofit dedicated to providing essential items and support. We will then pack totes with core necessities and a special keepsake, offering a touch of comfort and hope to each child.
Instructions
We work to keep things as simple as possible. If you have any questions, please get in touch with your event coordinator or reach out to “Kai” (WeHero Super Dog) in the lower-right corner of this page.
Step 1: Time to decorate
The challenges of being in foster care can often feel isolating and overwhelming for a child. You can make a difference by adding a personal touch to their welcome pack. We encourage you to decorate the canvas zipper bags with positive, neutral images like stars, hearts, or nature scenes, and include words of encouragement. These thoughtful additions will help make each pack feel special and unique. We’re excited to see the creative and heartfelt designs you come up with!
Step 2: Add all the items to each bag
The inventory below lists the items that go into the bag. The felt markers are yours to keep and don’t need to go into the bags.
Pack of Socks
1
Pack of Underwear
1
Washclothes
2
Canvas Hygiene Bag
1
Soap
1
Shampoo & Conditioner
1
Toothbrush
1
Toothpaste
1
Lotion
1
Tag
1
Comb / Brush
1
Treasure Box
1
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Step 3: Treasure box
This is your chance to create a unique gift for the young recipient of your tote. Use the felt markers to decorate the box and design a special space for kids to store their treasures!
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Step 4: Hangtag identifier
This organization supports individuals of all ages in foster care. To help the nonprofit easily identify the appropriate age group for each tote, we’ve provided hangtags for you to mark the age range your bag is intended for. Be sure to tune into your WeHero live event or check in with your team lead to confirm the specific age group you're supporting. Don’t forget—feel free to add a little fun and creativity to the hangtag to bring a smile to the nonprofit team when they receive your thoughtful donation!
Please add the hangtag to a tote strap, to help the nonprofit easily identify the appropriate age group for each tote, we’ve provided hangtags for you to mark the age range your bag is intended for.
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Step 5: Re-box and apply the shipping label
Using the original box everything came in, add the completed packs, and reseal the box. Attach the prepaid shipping label and schedule your USPS pickup. You can also drop your box off at your local post office. To schedule your pickup, simply use the following link and follow the steps: www.wehero.co/pick-up/
Note: If the system asks for weight, you can enter 6 pounds and the shipping provider will update the weight automatically.
Step 6: Photo time!
Take a photo of yourself with your completed packs and share the experience with your friends and family. Take this opportunity to spread awareness and share this act of kindness. Be sure to tag WeHero when you post on social media!
You've successfully completed your Hope Totes experience!
Nice work! Now what?
We’d love your thoughts!
Have 32 seconds? We always want to make these experiences better and would love your feedback.
Learn more
Visit the Hope Totes website to learn more about their mission and how you can continue supporting them.
Learn More
Recycling is hard so we made this resource list to make it easier!
We build our volunteer events to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Whether it is offsetting the carbon emissions of the shipping process, using recycled cardboard for the boxes, or relying on algae based dyes, we’ve made conscious steps to ensure we’re doing right for our world.
How we offset our carbon footprint
We have partnered with Cool Effect on The Mare Chicose landfill project in Mauritius to reduce methane emissions, generate electricity, create jobs, and promote sustainable development. Investing in the project helps reduce our carbon footprint and support global climate change mitigation.
Have questions about your experience?
We’re here to help!
Get in touch with us here or give us a call. Feel free to also chat with Kai and he’ll fetch a member of our team to help!
