Gregory Flowers Memorial Scholarship

Who would have thought my mom’s Facebook addiction would change my life? Well, it did, and the lives of thousands of foster children in the process? In 2022, I considered myself a 13-year-old fashionista, with a plethora of too-small clothes. Well, that would all change when my mom saw an urgent plea (on Facebook of course) for clothing donations for three young girls immediately being placed into foster care. Well, guess whose wardrobe was about to decrease dramatically? But why the urgent need, and how foster care? What did it all mean? As the inquisitive teen I am, I needed answers. My investigation began immediately. Ignorantly, I had assumed foster children were automatically provided with clothing, toys, and devices. After a long Google search, I learned that foster children, on average, moved a total of 9 times before being provided with permanent residency. That meant 9 different homes, 9 different families, and 9 different schools…adjusting that no young child should have to bear. To make matters worse, I learned that when transitioning from home to home, foster children were provided with trash bags to transport their personal items. TRASH BAGS!!! I was taken aback by this imagery. This insensitive action could lead many children to believe that they and their belongings were no more than trash. All while dealing with the personal trauma that forced them into the foster care system. I knew the narrative must be changed, and so the “Love Carries On Drive” was born. This drive is a philanthropic effort that raises duffel bags and luggage tags for foster children. Initially, I reached out to my village, providing them with a quick Amazon link, and within three weeks, we were able to raise 100 duffel bags and luggage tags that were immediately delivered to a local child welfare agency in the Chicagoland area. Creating the “Love Carries On Drive” and working to expand it over the past four years makes me proud for many reasons. First and foremost, I have been bestowed an unexpected honor while cultivating this drive. For it has been an honor to serve others. As a teenager (part of a generation often deemed as selfish), I have been able to use my time not to improve my life, but also to enhance the well-being of others…my peers, and that brings me considerable pride and joy. Secondly, youth often feel that we have no place in the improvement of society; we can’t vote, so our thoughts and contributions rarely matter. I am proud to have defied that myth. Showing that there is no linear correlation between age and impact. Lastly, I am proud of myself for having the courage to start, persevering with the donation of each duffel bag. To date, the drive has expanded nationwide, hosting events, partnering with corporate sponsors, and curating fundraising campaigns that have allowed us to raise well over 1,000 duffel bags/luggage tags for foster children. I have met some beautiful people, realizing that compassion is contagious. I have learned that giving of oneself is one of the best forms of SUCCESS. I am proud to continue to change the narrative, as LOVE CARRIES ON!