Grow Bag

GrowBag Program

Following are frequently asked questions about the FRUA grow bag program:

What is a grow bag?
A grow bag is a nylon sports/gym bag filled with items such as new or like-new children's clothing and shoes; pediatric over-the-counter medicines, supplies, vitamins and ointments; and developmental toys.

How is a grow bag used?
Those who are traveling to adopt take a grow bag (or its equivalent in quantity), with them to the orphanage and donate the goods to the orphanage in FRUA's name. Those who use the nylon sports bag that FRUA provides can collapse them down to put in their suitcases for return to FRUA once they arrive home.

Where do the goods for the grow bags come from?
They are donated by FRUA families at FRUA chapter events and meetings or donated by the communities (church, school, relatives, etc.) of FRUA members for this purpose.

Can anyone traveling to adopt take a grow bag?
Grow bags are one of the features of membership in FRUA (and there are alot more), therefore you must become a FRUA member to be eligible for a grow bag. A membership application and more information can be found on this website.

How do I request and obtain a grow bag?
Many local FRUA chapters have grow bag programs. Check out our Chapters and Contacts page to find the chapter nearest you that can provide you with a grow bag.

For FRUA members whose chapters do not have grow bag programs, or for FRUA members who do not have a chapter affiliation, please contact me at either e-mail address below. All requests should include the following:

FRUA membership status: current member or wish to become a member
Where you are adopting from: city, orphanage name or number if known, type of orphanage (baby home, special needs, home for older children, etc.)
Known or anticipated travel date
Anything you may know about particular items needed by the orphanage (provided by the adoption agency--if no information is provided, please ask your agency if they know of specific goods that the orphanage needs)

When is the best time to request a grow bag?
When you can provide all of the above information. Grow bag requests should come after you have accepted a referral, but those that come within a week of travel may be difficult for FRUA to fulfill--we'll do our best. Please keep in mind that FRUA operates STRICTLY through the generousity of members who are also busy with their own families, work, and other commitments. They are donating their time and efforts to the organization, so please plan ahead to the extent that you can, including your FRUA membership.

How can I help with the grow bag program?
Become a FRUA member. If you live near a FRUA chapter, attend FRUA events and functions and respond to requests for orphanage donation goods. If your FRUA chapter has a grow bag program, volunteer to help. If you wish to donate goods of the type described above and your chapter does not yet have a grow bag program or you do not live near a chapter, please e-mail me.

I hope this helps to answer most questions, but if you have more, I'll be happy to answer them.

Lauren Szymanoski
National FRUA Orphanage Support Chair
szymala@aol.com or lauren@frua.org