A former foster child turned advocate has transformed the lives of countless children by replacing trash bags with dignified luggage. Rob Scheer, alongside his husband Reese, founded Comfort Cases to provide foster children with essential items and a sense of belonging. Starting in the D.C. area, this initiative has expanded globally, delivering care packages filled with necessities to foster children across continents.
The mission extends beyond material support, addressing legislative change and fostering community involvement. Comfort Cases ensures that every child entering the system receives basic essentials, promoting dignity and love through practical means. This grassroots movement relies on individual contributions rather than corporate funding, emphasizing the power of human compassion.
From Trash Bags to Dignity: The Birth of Comfort Cases
Inspired by personal hardship, Rob Scheer established Comfort Cases after adopting two foster children who arrived carrying their belongings in trash bags. Having endured similar circumstances himself, Scheer resolved to prevent future generations from experiencing such indignity. What began as a local effort to replace trash bags with backpacks and duffel bags evolved into an international phenomenon.
Scheer's journey into advocacy stemmed from his own traumatic experiences within the foster care system. At 18, he was handed a trash bag containing all his possessions and became homeless. Despite these challenges, Scheer excelled professionally as a banker in Northern Virginia. However, witnessing the plight of his adopted children reignited his passion for change. Each Comfort Case contains essential items like toiletries, blankets, and pajamas, symbolizing care and respect. Through partnerships and media exposure, Comfort Cases now reaches foster children in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
Beyond Material Support: Legislative Change and Community Engagement
Comfort Cases transcends mere provision of supplies by influencing policy and encouraging community participation. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the organization successfully advocated for legislation mandating that foster children receive proper luggage instead of trash bags. This achievement exemplifies how grassroots movements can drive systemic reform while instilling hope in vulnerable populations.
The charity thrives on modest monthly donations averaging $8 per contributor, proving the collective impact of ordinary individuals. Volunteers are crucial to operations, assisting in packing and distributing cases at their Maryland facility. While acknowledging broader issues within the foster care system, Comfort Cases focuses on empowering children emotionally and materially. Scheer emphasizes the importance of conveying love and support to every child in foster care, reminding them they are valued members of society. Through sustained efforts and unwavering dedication, Comfort Cases continues making a tangible difference worldwide.