CONCORD, N.C. — A nonprofit in Concord is reaching new heights. Ashley Garcia began Suitcases of Hope eight years ago. The nonprofit aims to give children a suitcase and toiletries to help them transition through foster care.

 

What You Need To Know

Ashley Garcia entered the foster care system when she was 12

She was adopted by her mother Liz when she was 15

With the help of the community, she gives suitcases with toiletries to kids in need.

 

It’s something Garcia knows firsthand after living in the foster care system for two years.

Now, she works as an advocate for other foster kids and hopes her story will help inspire others to adopt.

“This is why I do this,” Garcia said. “I don’t want the kids to feel like they are trash, because I know that I did when I got a trashbag.”

Garcia is now a national spokesperson for AdoptUSKids. Not only has Garcia donated hundreds of suitcases to children in need, this year she also took nine girls on a back-to-school shopping spree to get them clothes to return to school.