As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded that there are approximately 1,000 children in the foster care system here in Lee County. Many of these children will relocate as many as 5 – 7 times during their childhood, often transporting their belongings with them in a trash bag to their new homes. In an effort to bring some stability into the lives of our local foster children, G. Weaver Hipps Elementary has joined the Suitcases for Kids initiative, a nationwide project that aims to provide all foster children with suitcases that they may use to keep personal belongings in. Between Monday, November 25 and Wednesday, December 18, students and staff members at the school will collect small suitcases (carry-on or child size), toothpaste, deodorant, small stuffed animals and blankets for foster children. All items must be new or in clean, gently used condition. The school would like to collect 300 suitcases for children in our community. For more information please contact the school at 239-368-7042. G. Weaver Hipps Elementary is located at 1200 Homestead Rd., Lehigh Acres.