“Teens & Tweens”: Carry Me Comfort Promotes Community

“Teens & Tweens” provides an “06880” voice for Westport youth. Today, rising juniors Taylor Serotta and Emma Asiel write about a Staples High School club that works with children in foster care.

During the pandemic, my sister Blake and I (Taylor) were participating in a Zoom benefit for a California-based charity when we learned something heartbreaking: Many children in foster care carry their belongings in garbage bags while transitioning between homes.

This was a stark reminder of how different our lives were, inspiring us to make a meaningful impact. 

Despite our search, we were unable to find an organization that specifically donated duffle bags to foster children in the area, leading us to start Carry Me Comfort in 2021. 

We began by reaching out to 2 foster care agencies in New York City, The Foundling and JCCA, and formed partnerships with them. We coordinated with these agencies to identify specific needs of the children.

We then gathered donations of duffle bags, blankets and stuffed animals — items that would provide a sense of dignity, security and comfort. 

Taylor Serotta and her mom Erica drop off more than 50 bags, at The Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk. 

At first we were unsure of the impact we would be able to make, but we soon realized that our small gestures meant the world to both the children and the administrators at the foster care agencies. Seeing the joy and relief on their faces when we walked in with loads of boxes was incredibly moving. 

Moments like this reaffirmed why Taylor and Blake started Carry Me Comfort. It wasn’t just about the tangible items; it was about offering a sense of love and support in times when these children needed it the most.

To expand involvement in our organization to a larger community, we started the Carry Me Comfort Club at Staples High School. Despite the many clubs Staples offers, there weren’t any dedicated to foster care. We knew that our small family of 4 could only make so much of an impact as we searched for new fundraising ideas, shaping the desire to collaborate with our peers. 

As we introduced the club and our email list grew, we found that this issue resonated with many students who were passionate about working with us.

Carry Me Comfort members discuss fundraising ideas.

During our first club meeting, we presented stories and images showcasing our progress so far. We observed looks of empathy and determination on the students’ faces as they shared ideas for new fundraising events. Witnessing this immediate enthusiasm and commitment, we became certain that together, we could make a much larger impact. 

From there, we created various leadership positions to encourage engagement. Providing this incentive, along with our monthly meetings, made joining the club both doable and rewarding.

Although it is often difficult to maintain involvement in clubs and organize meetings during sports seasons, we adapted and persevered. We offered simple ways for members to suggest ideas, and put those plans into action.

Making holiday cards to send with duffle bags, blankets and stuffed animals.

Through individual donations as well as a raffle fundraiser, we have raised $3,000 this year so far, bringing our total to over $15,000. We also partnered with the Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk to provide duffle bags, expanding our organization to support local agencies. 

The impact of Carry Me Comfort has been empowering, both for the children we serve and for us personally. Witnessing the difference our efforts have made in their lives – from providing a more comfortable night’s rest to enabling them to travel with ease – has been deeply rewarding, instilling a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

While it is difficult to imagine the everyday struggles of children in foster care, being able to assist them in seemingly minor ways has helped us to understand what profound impact small acts of service — providing blankets, stuffed animals, a place to store their belongings —  can have. 

We’re filled with a sense of hope and determination to continue growing Carry Me Comfort’s impact. Even in the face of challenges, our actions matter. We are ready to make a difference – one duffle bag, one blanket and one act of kindness at a time.

(Click here for the Carry Me Comfort website. To learn more about donations or getting involved, email info@carrymecomfort.org.)

(“Teens & Tweens” is an open forum for Westport students. You can write about anything: good or bad, happy or sad, your passions and dreams, your thoughts about your life and community. You can use your name, or be anonymous. You can also submit artwork, videos or other media. If interested, email 06880blog@gmail.com.)

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