In a recent government meeting, Casey, the head of GoBags of Louisiana, presented a compelling case for the nonprofit's mission to support children in crisis across Louisiana and beyond. Founded in response to the urgent needs of children entering foster care, GoBags provides essential items to help ease their transition during traumatic circumstances.

Casey shared her personal journey, which began when she fostered and later adopted two children who arrived with little more than a meth pipe in a grocery bag. This experience ignited her passion to ensure that no child faces such dire situations without basic necessities. Since its inception, GoBags has expanded its reach to 64 parishes, including parts of East Texas and South Arkansas, serving over 17,000 children in the past 11 years.

During her presentation, Casey emphasized the importance of providing comfort and dignity to children who have been removed from harmful environments. The bags, which have evolved from simple toiletry kits to comprehensive care packages, include items such as blankets, pajamas, toiletries, and notes of encouragement. These bags are designed to offer not just physical necessities but also emotional support during a critical time in the children's lives.

Casey requested funding and support from the council to provide the Shreveport Police Department and Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office with their own sets of GoBags. She highlighted the collaborative efforts with local law enforcement and child services, underscoring the need for community involvement in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable children.

Council members expressed their appreciation for Casey's work, recognizing the positive impact GoBags has on the community. They acknowledged that providing these bags can help bridge the gap for children in crisis, offering them hope and a sense of care during tumultuous times.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for community members to support GoBags through donations and volunteer opportunities, reinforcing the message that even the smallest contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of children facing adversity. For those interested in supporting the initiative, Casey encouraged reaching out through their website, geauxbags.com.