ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors is inviting community support for the 10th annual Suitcases For Kids program benefiting foster children.

Realtors will be collecting donations now through Sept. 30 to help foster children under the supervision of the Berrien, Van Buren and Cass county departments of human services.

Becoming a foster kid and staying in foster care is a sad and lonely time for any child. Among the many facts that realtors have learned is that most children in foster care carry their belongings in black garbage bags when moved to foster care, and each child averages seven moves while in foster care. SWMAR realtors believe in Suitcases For Kids and invited the entire community to help make this transition for our foster kids a little easier.

New this year is a raffle for great prizes offered by local partners. For each cash donation of $20, donors’ names will be entered to win one of the following terrific opportunities:

The first-place winner will get a two-night stay and golf package for two (cart included) at The Inn at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The stay can be used between Sept. 16 and May 17, and includes $100 Planks restaurant vouchers and $20 in Rise & Vine coffee shop vouchers. The approximate value of the prize is $774.

The second place winner will receive a two-night stay at The Sycamore Guest House in Three Oaks, Michigan. This carries an approximate value of $375.

Winners need not be present to win.

All other items donated must be new; no used items can be accepted. Items that foster kids need include new small duffle bags or backpacks.

For clothing and personal healthcare, items like diapers/pull-ups (all sizes) underwear and T-shirts (all sizes), pajamas/socks (all sizes), wet wipes, shampoo, soaps, sanitary items, combs and brushes, deodorant and toothpaste are especially needed.

Often foster children will miss birthday, graduation and other celebrations so gifts of cards, watches, handheld video games, cologne and aftershave can bring a smile.

Donations can be dropped off at the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors Office on 3123 Lake Shore Dr. just south of Hilltop Road.

“Realtors do make the difference” is the motto for the local association and they are hoping the community will make a difference too, by donating to Suitcases For Kids.

Last year the group raised more than $11,000 in cash and collected more than 90 new backpacks and more than 3,000 personal items for foster kids under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Human Services in Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass counties.

Those with questions can contact any area realtor or call Kathy Pallas at the association office at (269) 983-6375.

Suitcases For Kids was started in 1995 by a 10 year-old, Aubyn Burnside after learning that the average child in foster care moves three to four times and traditionally carries his/her personal belonging form home to home in black garbage bags. This nonprofit international program has spread throughout the U.S. as well as nine foreign countries.