When 15-year-old Brianna Swinderman went to work with her mom one day, she was surprised at what she saw. Brianna’s mom, Alisa Swinderman, had worked for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department for a number of years, but when Brianna stumbled across a pile of trash bags at the office, she was stunned to learn that often times when caseworkers pick up children from their homes to place them into foster care, their personal items are collected in trash bags.

“Living through that is mentally scarring to these kids,” Brianna said. “I can’t imagine throwing my stuff in a trash bag.”

So in spring 2011, Brianna decided it was time for her to take action, launching Bags of Hope. The Rio Rancho high school student began collecting new and gently used bags and suitcases as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. She also collects donations to use toward purchasing new bags.

So far more than 2,200 bags have been donated to Bags of Hope and distributed to children in foster care or children in shelters.

“It really means a lot to them,” Brianna said. “Right now we’re focusing on the bags, but I’ve thought about expanding it more.”

Since launching the program, the Rio Rancho teenager has garnered a lot of attention, being honored as the Channel 4 Hometown Hero and recently receiving the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. She was also recently honored during the New Mexico legislative session.

“Every year it always amazes us to hear the stories of what kids have accomplished at such an early age,” said Greg Loder, executive director of The Prudential Spirit of Community Initiatives. “We want to shine a light on them and hold them up as role models for other young people.”

In addition to Prudential’s nation recognition, Brianna is working with the National Foster Parent Association to take the program to an even high level.

“Once we work with the National Foster Parent Association, we will roll it out statewide then nationwide,” Brianna said. “My project will be a guide to others who want to start a similar project. It’s going to be a long-term project.”

For Brianna, creating Bags of Hope was more than just a way to give back, it was personal. In grade school, Brianna had a close friend who was abused by her father and she ran away. After she was found, the girl entered foster care and Brianna lost all contact with her friend.

“I’ve never seen her since that day,” Brianna said. “Anyone can be in that situation. I want to show [foster children] that people care about them.”

That experience has left a lasting impact on Brianna and she said she’s so thankful that she’s found a way to give back to others like her childhood friend.

“It’s something I’m able to do as a normal 16-year-old,” Brianna said. “It doesn’t require a big project to make a difference.”

And while making a difference in children’s lives is the biggest benefit of the creation of Bags of Hope, Brianna has also gained a lot personally from her experience.

“I learned how to talk to people,” Brianna said. “When I started the project I was pretty much an introvert. Now, I’m a leader. It’s changed my life so much.”

For more information about Bags of Hope and how you can support Brianna’s mission to help children in foster care, visit www.bagsofhope.yolasite.com.