It doesn’t take much to change a child’s life

Enjoy a few (of the many) stories we’ve received from the recipients of our First Night Bags.

Group of adults and a girl sitting on the floor in front of a large collection of colorful backpacks, likely part of a donation event.
A woman standing next to a large pile of backpacks and bags in a room with beige and yellow walls and a carpeted floor.

A foster mom writes:  "Hope Pkgs is an amazing program.  When a child arrives, especially in the evening, it is so nice that they come with a Hope Pkgs backpack with things needed to get through that 1st night. And other nice things as well."  Rebecca  

A 2 year old marches around DHHS
office while waiting for a foster family
to be able to say yes, singing "I got a
backpack, I got a backpack".  

A 5 year old boy is ecstatic for his
very 1st tooth brush ever, which was
tucked into his Hope Pkgs 1st night bag.

Kristy shares "We received 2 backpacks when our foster boys arrived.  The boys had just been through something very traumatic and it was so nice that we didn't need to run out to the store the minute they arrived to get the essentials.  The Backpack had everything we needed to get us though those first few days of transitioning.  this ministry is a tangible way to show the love of Jesus to kids in foster care. " 

A man standing in front of suitcases and boxes in a hotel lobby or reception area.
Smiling man standing next to an open car trunk filled with colorful backpacks and bags in a parking lot.

“I just wanted to share with you that the backpacks continue to be a huge blessing to the children we serve.  Thank you for all you do!"  Lianna DHHS Community Resource Coordinator

A woman with red hair opening a colorful backpack at a display table in a store.

WZZM TV13

Holland woman lands on L'Oréal Paris's 'Women of Worth' list

In The News

WZZM TV13

WZZM TV13

One Good Thing - Hope Pkgs

Television news studio with three anchors and a large screen displaying the Fox 17 logo and the words 'Pay It Forward.'

Fox 17

Woman provides 'Hope Pkgs' to kids entering foster care system.

A woman with red hair smiling in a photo next to a graphic for the Good Neighbor Awards. The graphic has a house with four people and a blue and yellow color scheme. The text reads 'Lisa Hoeve, Hope Pkgs, 2022 Finalist.'

Good Neighbor Award

National Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award Recipient
For Her Work With Hope Pkgs

Inside a vehicle with a woman taking a selfie, showing the back seat filled with colorful backpacks and luggage.

Surprise Viral Reddit Post

2024Women of Worth

L’Oréal Paris

L’Oréal Paris has awarded Lisa Hoeve and Hope Pkgs the prestigious honor of being named one of ten L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth for 2024, an award that recognizes the achievements of non-profit leaders making a profound difference in the lives of others by tackling some of our society’s most pressing issues. 

Each year, the beauty brand selects these women from across the nation to support through charitable grants, mentorship, and a national platform to spread the word on their important charitable missions. 

While Lisa is thrilled to be recognized by this award, Hope Pkgs is a family venture. Hope Pkgs supporters are part of that family and your dedication to bringing hope and comfort during uncertain and emotional moments is the reason Hope Pkgs is able to serve so many foster kids and families.

THANK YOU Hope Packers!

A woman with red hair smiling, wearing a black dress with a tie at the waist, standing beside a dark wood stool against a dark gray background.

Lisa Hoeve, Hope Pkgs Founder
2024 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth
Visit WomenofWorth.com to learn more

Did someone say PARTY?

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved with Hope Pkgs?

Ready to make a difference? The Hope Pkgs Packing Party Toolkit has everything you need to host a fun and meaningful event that packs HOPE—one bag at a time. Whether you're gathering friends, coworkers, or your community, you'll help collect essential items for First Night Bags and bring comfort to children entering foster care. It's a simple, powerful way to come together for a beautiful cause.