Michael Turner
What to supply: acceptances commonly include hard-shell spinners (20–26″), soft duffels (18–22″) and compact backpacks (15–18″). Aim for one rolling case + one daypack per person when donating; larger sets (extra shoes, toiletries, socks) are useful. New undergarments and socks in sealed packs are preferred; toiletries should be travel-sized and unopened.
Condition and prep: inspect zippers, wheels and seams; replace or repair faulty hardware. Launder textiles on the hottest safe setting listed by the manufacturer; wipe rigid shells and handles with household disinfectant or 70% isopropyl and allow to dry. Remove lingering scents (no heavy perfumes). Attach a removable luggage tag rather than writing directly on fabric.
Labeling and privacy: use a removable tag with first name or intake ID only, following the placement office’s privacy rules. If permitted, include a printed packing list tucked into a clear sleeve inside the bag. Take photos of items and send them to the intake contact before drop-off–this reduces refusals.
Drop-off logistics: always call the specific placement office or program intake line to confirm current acceptance rules, hours and maximum quantities per drop-off. Deliver during scheduled donation windows and bring items on wheeled carts for quick transfer. For tax records, keep receipts for new purchases and request a written acknowledgement when available.
Items to avoid & alternatives: do not donate broken or heavily stained pieces, oversized trunks, or used pillows/crib mattresses. If space or variety is limited, opt for gift cards to major retailers ($25–$100 depending on need) or purchase new backpacks and sealed toiletry kits–these are accepted more widely and simplify intake processing.
Do Placement Organizations Accept Travel Bags?
Yes – provide clean, functional travel bags sized for the child and assembled as a ready-to-distribute starter kit; contact the receiving placement organization first to confirm space, intake hours and any item restrictions.
Accepted types and condition
- Suitcases: carry-on (20–22″) and medium checked (24–26″) with working zippers and intact handles.
- Duffels and weekender bags: soft-sided, no mold or persistent odors.
- Backpacks: padded straps, no exposed foam or torn lining; laptop sleeves optional but useful for teens.
- Condition requirements: freshly washed or surface-cleaned, no stains, holes, broken wheels or missing zipper pulls; report any repairs done before drop-off.
- Quantity guidance: single ready-to-issue bag per child is most useful; bulk donations accepted if organized by size/age group and labeled.
Packing checklist and labeling
- Label each bag with: age range, gender marker (optional), and a sticker listing contents.
- Starter contents (example): 2 outfits, 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of underwear (new), travel-size toiletries (new), toothbrush, comb, small blanket or fleece, nightwear, one pair of shoes, spare face mask.
- Teen add-ons: toiletries suited to older youth, reusable water bottle, small hygiene kit for menstruation if applicable, power bank or charger if donated electronics accepted.
- Infant/toddler variations: 2-3 sleepers, onesies, small blanket, baby wash (new), pack of diapers sealed, one soft toy (new).
- Do not include: used underwear, open toiletry containers, food items past safety checks, aerosol cans, damaged/unsafe toys, weapons or sharp objects.
Packaging tips: assemble bags so items are immediately usable; use clear plastic bags for small toiletry kits and include a printed contents list on the outside for quick intake checks.
- Sanitation: wash textiles at highest safe temperature per label (typically 40–60°C) and air-dry; remove pet hair and odors.
- Documentation: email photos and an item inventory to the organization before drop-off; include contact name and preferred pickup/drop-off windows.
- Drop-off protocol: schedule a time, bring items sorted by age/size, mark donations “ready-to-issue” to reduce staff prep time.
- Storage note for donors: avoid donating bulky seasonal coats unless the recipient has storage capacity; seasonal requests vary by program.
Which suitcase types, materials and conditions do placement organizations accept
Donate clean, fully functional suitcases and travel bags with working wheels, secure zippers and no mold or strong odors. Preferred items: rolling carry-ons (20–24″), medium checked rollers (24–26″), soft duffels up to ~60L, small wheeled cases for children, and backpacks with padded straps. Avoid oversized trunks and single-use promotional bags.
Materials – pros and selection guidance: Hard-shell (ABS, polycarbonate) – easy to disinfect, protects contents, acceptable with surface scuffs; heavy cracks or split shells are rejected. Ballistic nylon / polyester – lightweight, exterior pockets, tolerated if lining intact and stain-free. Canvas – durable but must be clean and dry. Leather – accepted rarely because of weight and maintenance needs; provide only if in excellent condition.
Condition checklist (items accepted if they meet all): zippers operate smoothly; telescoping handle extends and locks; at least two functional wheels on rolling bags; interior lining free from rips, mold, pet hair and cigarette smell; exterior free from large stains or holes. Minor cosmetic scuffs OK; tears larger than ~5 cm, missing hardware or visible pest evidence – refuse.
Cleaning and prep steps donors should complete: empty and vacuum interior, wipe hard shells with a mild disinfectant or 70% isopropyl, spot-clean fabrics with mild detergent, air out for 24–48 hours. For stain-treatment options and vinegar substitution info see can i use red wine vinegar instead of white vinegar. Remove personal ID tags, address labels and any permanent locks; include only non-perishable, sealed accessories if requested.
Sizing and recipient-fit notes: placement programs often prefer smaller, easy-to-store pieces: carry-ons and child-sized rollers for minors; medium checked bags for adults. Neutral colors and plain designs increase reusability; themed or character bags acceptable for younger recipients if clean and intact.
Poor candidates: soft bags with heavy odor, stained upholstery beyond spot-removal, broken frames, one-wheel rollers, items containing mold or insect traces, or heavily personalized pieces with irreversible markings.
Contact a local placement organization and specific questions to ask about donating suitcases
Call the nearest child-welfare office during weekday business hours and ask for the donations coordinator; if none, request the intake or volunteer manager and schedule a short call or email exchange.
Use this email subject and body when sending a written inquiry: Subject: “Donation inquiry – suitcases and travel bags”. Body: brief list of items (brand, quantity, condition), preferred pickup or drop-off dates, and a request for a point of contact and any intake forms.
When you reach a person, confirm the preferred communication channel (phone, email, text) and the name, title, and direct phone or extension for the staff member who handles incoming goods.
| Question | Why ask | Sample phrasing |
|---|---|---|
| Do you accept suitcases, duffels, backpacks, or soft-sided bags? | Clarifies which bag types match their program needs so you avoid delivering unusable items. | “Do you accept suitcases or other travel bags for distribution?” |
| Are there size or brand limits, or anything you refuse? | Prevents time spent transporting items they’ll decline on arrival. | “Are there size limits or brands you cannot accept?” |
| What minimum condition is required (clean, working zippers, no mold)? | Sets expectations for cleaning, repairs, or disposal before donation. | “What condition must bags be in to be accepted?” |
| Do you require photos of items before drop-off or pickup? | Some programs screen donations remotely to schedule appropriate staffing. | “Would you like photos of the items first?” |
| Preferred drop-off times, address, and entrance instructions | Avoids wasted trips and ensures safe handoff at the correct entrance. | “What are the available drop-off windows and exact address/entrance?” |
| Do you offer scheduled pickup and what are vehicle/parking constraints? | Determines if you need a moving vehicle or volunteer help for loading. | “Do you provide pickup and are there vehicle size or loading restrictions?” |
| Are there quantity limits or caps per household or per donation? | Prevents rejection of bulk donations and helps coordinate split deliveries. | “Is there a cap on the number of bags accepted at one time?” |
| Do items undergo cleaning or inspection on arrival and who covers costs? | Clarifies whether you should pre-clean or if the program handles sanitation. | “Do you require items to be cleaned beforehand or will you clean them?” |
| How long between drop-off and distribution, and can donors request confirmation? | Gives timeline expectations and whether you can receive follow-up on impact. | “How soon are donated bags typically issued, and can donors get a confirmation?” |
| Is a receipt or donation acknowledgment provided for tax purposes? | Important for donors who need documentation; note whether value is itemized. | “Will you provide a written receipt and will item values be listed?” |
| Any labeling, tagging, or packing instructions (e.g., remove personal tags)? | Prevents privacy breaches and ensures items are ready for distribution. | “Should I remove personal tags and how would you like items labeled?” |
| Are volunteers needed to sort or carry items and how to sign up? | Opportunities to support beyond dropping off goods and helps with logistics. | “Do you need volunteers for sorting or delivery and how do they sign up?” |
| Any seasonal deadlines or current priority items? | Aligns your donation timing with the program’s immediate needs. | “Are there deadlines or items you are prioritizing right now?” |
| Who is the onsite contact at drop-off and emergency phone? | Ensures a smooth handoff and quick resolution of unexpected issues. | “Can I have the onsite contact name and emergency number for drop-off day?” |
If staff requests additional documentation or forms, ask for scanned copies by email before arrival; label your shipment with donor name, item count, and contact number. After delivery, send a brief confirmation email with date, time, and photos of the drop-off for their records.
Step-by-step: cleaning, labeling and removing hazards from donated travel bags
Disinfect hard surfaces with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or an EPA-registered disinfectant; if using household bleach (5–6% sodium hypochlorite), dilute 1:50 (one part bleach to 49 parts water) for routine disinfection.
Supplies: nitrile gloves, surgical mask, vacuum with crevice tool, soft-bristle brush, microfiber cloths, mild liquid detergent, 70% isopropyl alcohol, household bleach, measuring cup, spray bottle, sewing kit/needle and heavy thread, clear waterproof labels, permanent marker, zip ties, heavy-duty trash bags.
Step 1 – Empty and inspect: remove all contents, batteries, SIM/SD cards, name tags and removable inserts; photograph interior and exterior for records; set aside broken electronics or personal items for secure disposal.
Step 2 – Debris removal: shake exterior closed over a trash bag, then vacuum interior seams, pockets and wheels with crevice attachment; use a soft brush to dislodge trapped dirt from zippers and corners.
Step 3 – Wash fabric liners: remove any detachable liners and wash per care label. If no label, machine wash on warm (40–60°C / 104–140°F) with liquid detergent; use lowest setting recommended for materials that may deform. Tumble-dry on medium-high or air in direct sun until fully dry.
Step 4 – Clean hard and synthetic surfaces: mix mild detergent with warm water, wipe all exterior shells, handles, wheels and zippers with microfiber cloth. Rinse cloth frequently. On molded plastics or metal hardware, follow with 70% isopropyl alcohol or the 1:50 bleach solution; allow to air dry.
Step 5 – Pest control protocol: for suspected insect infestation, use heat (expose closed bag contents to 60°C / 140°F for a minimum of 30 minutes) or deep freeze (-18°C / 0°F for 72 hours). Do not use household insect spray on items destined for donation; discard heavily infested pieces.
Step 6 – Remove hazards and repair: cut away or tape exposed sharp edges, bend back or replace jagged metal, trim frayed straps and securely re-stitch loose seams. Remove telescoping handle internals if broken; if repairs are beyond simple sewing or taping, mark condition clearly and consider recycling.
Step 7 – Lock and privacy reset: remove personal identification and reset combination locks to 000 (or remove locks entirely); detach old luggage tags and tear out name/address labels to protect donor privacy.
Step 8 – Final drying and deodorizing: ensure complete dryness before sealing – use a clothes dryer for fabric inserts or air-dry in sunlight for several hours. For odors, place a small pouch of baking soda inside, seal overnight, then remove before donation.
Step 9 – Labeling for recipients: apply a clear waterproof label with cleaning date, condition grade (New/Good/Fair/Poor), bag type (carry-on/duffel/rollaboard), dimensions and any remaining defects or repairs performed; include a photo and short notes file if required by the receiving organization.
Step 10 – Hazard disposal and documentation: discard items with mold growth, structural failure, petrol/chemical contamination or unresolved pest infestation; log discarded units and retained items with cleaning actions and dates for transparency to the receiving group.
Choosing age-appropriate sizes and features (wheels, handles, compartments) for children’s luggage
For ages 3–6 select a 16″ (40 cm) rolling case with two inline wheels, a single-stage telescopic handle that extends ~50–60 cm from ground, and an empty weight under 2.5 kg; interior should offer one large compartment with elastic cross-straps and one zip pocket for small items.
For ages 6–9 choose an 18–20″ (45–50 cm) spinner or rugged two-wheel roller, empty weight 2.0–3.0 kg, telescopic handle with at least two height settings (~60–75 cm), and an internal divider plus mesh pocket for socks/underwear. External side pocket or mesh water-bottle holder recommended.
For ages 10–13 pick a 20–24″ (50–60 cm) carry-on/roller with four wheels for upright rolling, reinforced corners, lockable zippers, padded tablet/book sleeve (approx. 25 x 18 cm), and empty weight under 3.5 kg. Expandable volume (1–3 cm) and a dedicated shoe or laundry pocket add practical capacity.
For toddlers (0–2) use a soft 10–12″ (25–30 cm) backpack or soft tote, padded shoulder straps with chest clip, lightweight fabrics (<1 kg) and no small removable fittings; avoid wheels for this group to keep design simple and safe.
Wheel and handle selection
Spinner wheels: best for children who can steer and for smooth indoor surfaces; choose 4 double-spinner wheels with nylon or polyurethane treads and sealed bearings. Two-wheel inline rollers: better on rough sidewalks and when an adult will pull the bag; prefer 40–60 mm wheel diameter and rubberized tread for shock absorption. Telescopic handles: metal alloy, two-stage length adjustments, flush lock when retracted, and T-shaped grips sized for small hands (diameter ~2–2.5 cm).
Compartment and organization checklist
Must-haves: elastic cross-straps, zippered internal divider, one external ID pocket, padded tech sleeve, separate shoe/laundry pouch, and at least one easy-access exterior pocket for snacks or tickets. Packing capacity guidance: 16″ ≈ 18–25 L, 18–20″ ≈ 30–40 L, 22–24″ ≈ 45–55 L. Use packing cubes and best luggage fillers for travelling to destination sized to the case dimensions to keep items organized and balanced.
When adding accessories consider age-appropriate extras only (compact rain cover, wrist leash for preschoolers, small lock). For outdoor shade or larger communal items sometimes supplied alongside travel gear, see options like best cheap offset patio umbrella.
