The Luggage of Hope luggage collection event will take place at the Galleria of Fort Lauderdale, 2414 East Sunrise Boulevard, from June 21 – July 21. More information is available online at www.heartgalleryofbroward.org or by calling 954-918-3008.

 DETAILS:

On behalf of The Heart Gallery, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale will accept donations of new duffle bags, cosmetic cases or carry-on luggage between Thursday, June 21 and Saturday, July 21 during regular mall hours.

Many children enter foster care without a suitcase or duffle bag for their belongings, and some children must move several times before being reunified with their birth-families or before finding a forever family through adoption. Without luggage of their own, their belongings are often carried between placements in a trash bag.

“Entering foster care is a difficult experience for a child, and no child should have to carry his or her belongings in a trash bag,” said Yvette DuBose, executive director of the Heart Gallery of Broward County. “This initiative will help us send children transitioning into foster care with dignity, comfort and hope, knowing that they will be cared for.”

“The Galleria is proud to support this effort that will provide a much-needed benefit to children in foster care throughout Broward County,” said Melissa Milroy, senior marketing manager at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. “We invite our loyal shoppers and Heart Gallery supporters to make a difference in a child’s life by simply donating new, unused luggage pieces.”

Each luggage donor will be enterred for the chance to win a two-night staycation in an ocean view room at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, including dinner for two at the resort’s onsite restaurant.

Luggage donations will be received at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale’s (2414 East Sunrise Boulevard) Guest Services, which is located on the Upper Level near Dillard’s. More information is available online at www.heartgalleryofbroward.org or by calling 954-918-3008.

 

About Heart Gallery of Broward County

The Heart Gallery of Broward County, one of over 100 independent heart galleries across the country, is a respected not-for-profit committed to finding loving families for the hardest to place foster children. The Heart Gallery of Broward County was introduced in 2007 as a traveling photography exhibit of foster children who were waiting to be permanently adopted, and has evolved to work closely with ChildNet and local foster care providers to seek adoptive families and other connections for these children. For additional information, or to adopt, volunteer or make a donation, please visit heartgalleryofbroward.org.

About The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, recognized as one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations for its sophisticated level of merchandising and ambiance, is the largest and most upscale regional mall in Broward County. Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Dillard’s anchor the popular center, which also features 100 known stores, including American Eagle Outfitters, Apple, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Free People, J. Crew, Michael Kors, Pandora and Fort Lauderdale’s first H&M. It is also home to Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa and a fine roster of dining establishments such as Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Truluck’s, P.F. Chang’s and Blue Martini. Just steps away from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, it is minutes from the airport, port, downtown, hotels and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center with easy access from Sunrise Boulevard, U.S. Highway 1 (Federal Highway), Interstate 95, Interstate 595, and U.S. Highway A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard). Located at 2414 East Sunrise Blvd., it is open from 10 am. to 9 p.m., Mon. through Sat. and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sun. Restaurants enjoy later hours. More information is available by calling (954) 564-1036 or at www.galleriamall-fl.com.