Thrive Bag Program

Set To Thrive provides three days' worth of new clothes, shoes, a backpack, and other essential items to children, ages 0 to 19, experiencing foster care and homelessness in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. 

Each Thrive Bag is customized for each unique individual, including LGBTQ+ ordering options, sizes for all body types, and products for all hair types. We strive to stay current with the latest looks, trends, and brands so that every child can feel more confident as they transition into a new home and/or school. The goal with Thrive Bags is to not only provide needed items but also to provide a sense of self, of belonging, and some security.

How does this all work?  The Set To Thrive website features a secure page for our social services partners, allowing them to customize each order through a fillable form for each child. On the order form, social workers and school district representatives enter the child's clothing sizes, shoe size, favorite color, and favorite character, as well as any other specific details that would help make the child comfortable. Our goal is to distribute the child’s customized Thrive Bag within two days of receiving the order.

Thrive Bags cost approximately $250 and include essential items like:

• 1 pair of new shoes

• 3 T-Shirts

• 3 Bottoms (Pants, Leggings, Shorts, or Joggers)

• 5 pairs of socks

• 5 pairs of underwear

• 1 jacket

• New Backpack, Duffle Bag, or Diaper Bag

• Hygiene Products (toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, hair products)

• Age and gender-appropriate items (deodorant, bras, feminine hygiene products, etc.)

While Thrive Bags remain Set To Thrive’s core initiative, we proudly extend our support to community partners by fulfilling special requests. These often include large quantities of shoes, hygiene kits, coats, or backpacks—critical items that help bridge gaps in essential resources.

Since 2021, Set To Thrive has delivered more than 4,000 bags to children and youth experiencing foster care and homelessness in our community.  This includes over 1,200 Thrive Bags, special requests from school districts, and “Student Bags” during the 2023-2024 period.  Every child deserves to have the proper essential items to attend, thrive, and boost their confidence in life and school.

To meet these needs, Set To Thrive hosts and partners with local entities to run multiple drives throughout the year, maintaining a robust inventory. However, we can’t do it alone; ongoing support from our broader community is vital to sustaining these efforts.

Please consider making a monetary donation or exploring our Amazon Wishlist to support these meaningful initiatives. Every contribution helps us continue to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

Below is a picture example of what goes into each Thrive Bag.