Irv’s Luggage Supports Women in Crisis
Luggage for Freedom is a program that strives to give dignity to women who are transitioning out of a domestic violence or homeless situation and residing in a shelter. Partnered with Irv’s Luggage, located in Vernon Hills, IL, gently used luggage is packed with brand new bed linens, towels and personal items collected and donated for the shelters. An antique trunk, labeled “Luggage for Freedom Donations”, sits just inside the front door of Irv’s Luggage so that customers and friends can easily drop off items. Every October, which corresponds to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Irv’s has a packing event where they gather all the donated luggage, towels, sheets, toiletries and backpacks (collected for kids), and pack each suitcase with sheets, towels and toiletries; the backpacks are filled with books and stuffed animals. The filled luggage and backpacks are then divided into groups to be delivered to pre-arranged shelters. Noting that this has been a brutally tough season for travel businesses and all of the supporting industries, Irv’s Luggage feels blessed to be in a situation where they can still help others and reside in a community that supports their charitable efforts.