The WLCJ 2026 Convention Social Action Project, Comfort Cases, as led by Jerilynn Payne and her committee, was an extraordinary success. This success was due to the support of individuals, Sisterhoods, and Regions.
More than $20,000 in cash was raised, far exceeding our goal. In addition, pounds and pounds of items were brought to Convention in suitcases and packed cars, and even more was donated through direct purchases to Comfort Cares on Amazon. What an extraordinary accomplishment! Many children will now enter Foster Care with backpacks filled with comforting items rather than torn plastic bags without essential needs. as an extraordinary success. This success was due to the support of individuals, Sisterhoods, and Regions.
We have stopped raising dollars directly through Women's League, and we are now asking that the project be continued through the Regions and the Sisterhood Affiliate level. If you have Comfort Cases or a similar project near you, organize a social action project to give dignity to these children entering Foster Care.
As Women’s League chair, Jerilynn Payne says, “Together, we demonstrated what can happen when a community unites around a shared purpose: restoring dignity to children entering foster care….The Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world—is not simply an ideal; it is something we put into action. Through this campaign, we transformed compassion into collective impact and provided hope and dignity to children and youth who need it most.
Continue this cause today in your Region and your Sisterhood Affiliate! Contact Jerilynn Payne at
[email protected] for more information about continuing this very special project in your area.
Comfort Cases inspires communities to bring dignity and hope to youth in foster care. On any given day, there are more than 390,000 children in foster care in the United States. Most of them are removed from their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. If they do have any personal belongings, they are given a trash bag in which to carry them.
What is a Comfort Case?
When a child is removed from their home and enters the foster care system, they are given a trash bag to pack their belongings; a trash bag should never be a child’s suitcase. A Comfort Case is a backpack or small duffel bag filled with goods to provide foster children with dignity and hope. Each case contains essentials for a child’s first few days in care—including new pajamas, a warm blanket, toiletries, and a "comfort item" like a stuffed animal or book. Comfort Cases are thoughtfully curated for three distinct age groups: babies up to age two, children ages three to ten, and teenagers 11 and older. By supporting this drive, you are telling a vulnerable child that they are seen, they are worthy, and they matter.
How Does Comfort Cases Make an Impact?
In 2025 alone, they distributed 25,293 Comfort Cases, 7,668 Comfort XL’s (32 inch duffel bags), and volunteers served 10,000 hours.
Ways to Support
1. Donate Directly to Comfort Cases
2. Ship Directly to the Comfort Cases Warehouse
You can view the list of essential and comfort items here.
Baby-Toddler (up to 2 years old)
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Small Duffel Bag or Backpack
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Pajamas (newborn to 24 months/2T)
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Baby Blankets up to 30"x40"
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Baby Shampoo / Body Wash / Lotion (up to 5oz)
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Diaper Wipes & Cream
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Baby Bibs & Washcloths
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Baby Safe Stuffed Animal
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Board Book
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Child (3 to 10 years old)
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Small Duffel Bag or Backpack
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Pajamas, 3T to 8/10
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Blanket (no larger than 30"x40")
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Toothbrush & Toothpaste
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Soap or Body Wash
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Stuffed Animal (10" or smaller)
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Coloring Book & Crayons
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Book
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Teen (11+ years old) 
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Small Duffel Bag or Backpack
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Pajamas, Size 10 to Adult 3XL
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Blanket (30"x40" or 40"x50")
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Toothbrush & Toothpaste
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Shampoo & Conditioner
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Lotion & Deodorant
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Soap or Body Wash
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Stuffed Animal
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Journal, Pens & Pencils
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Book
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Please ship all purchased items directly to:
Comfort Cases
9300 Gaither Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
