The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors raised $500 during their fourth annual Suitcases for Kids fundraiser. The group also collected 75 new backpacks and duffel bags and personal health care items such as shampoo, toothpaste and diapers for foster kids under the supervision of the Berrien County Department of Human Services.

“It is always a heartfelt experience presenting the donations,” said Paul Dumke, 2010 Public Relations Committee chairman. “Knowing that local kids want for the simple things most of us take for granted on a daily basis, like a backpack or hygiene supplies. Our members and associates brought in a nice quantity of items, some clearing store sale racks. The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors continues to give back to our community even in a tough economy.”

The Suitcases for Kids committee members included Donna Palmer, Paul Dumke, Nancy Adams, Leon DeLorme, David Grosse, Sharon Halliburton, Paul Hicks, Doreen Johan, Robert Kaufman, Vicki McWilliams, Amy O’Sullivan, Thad Payne, Gary Sanders and Kathy Pallas.

“We are truly grateful for the overwhelming donations made by the Southwest Michigan Board of Realtors for the benefit of foster children in Berrien County,” said Kathy Miller, services section manager for the Berrien County Department of Human Services. “At any given day, there are over 300 children from our Berrien County community in foster care placement due to issues of child abuse or neglect. These children most often enter with few belongings, which are moved in trash bags.

“The generous donations made through the Suitcases for Kids program will assist in giving our children a sense of dignity, while helping them adjust to a new home and the dramatic changes occurring in their lives,” she said.

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.

The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors Inc. is a professional trade association for real estate licensees and ancillary service providers for the real estate industry in Van Buren, Berrien and Cass counties.  The association is located at 3123 Lake Shore Drive St. Joseph, MI 49085, (269) 983-6375.  They can also be contacted through their Web site, www.swmar.org.