RETIREMENT COMMUNITY RESIDENTS PREPARE BAGS OF LOVE

by Carol Janssen
Florida Living Retirement Community residents in Apopka recently assembled 15 Bags of Love for children removed from their homes because of abuse or living with a parent or guardian who has run into trouble with the law. Often these children are taken away from their homes late at night after witnessing an arrest by police.
As the children enter a Seminole County Child Protective Services (CPS) vehicle that will take them to a safe place, they are given one of the Bags of Love which carry an inscription, “It’s My Very Own.” Inside the bag is a handmade quilt, pillow with case, towel and washcloth, a small bag with age-appropriate personal toiletry items, toys, puzzles, coloring books with crayons, story books, and stuffed animals.
When Melissa Kreinbring, CPS representative, visited Florida Living Retirement Community to pick up the 15 Bags of Love, she showed her gratitude with expressions that included “awesome” and “terrific.”