Brave Bags, was founded in 2017 by former Humboldt Middle School teacher Katie Phillips, and continues in the Wildcat seventh grade classrooms of teacher Joel Hoogland.

“My goal was to create a project that would not only equip them with practical life skills such as fundraising, marketing, and business management, but also to instill essential values like empathy and compassion,” said Phillips. “After some brainstorming, the idea for Brave Bags was born.”

The goal, according to Phillips, is to instill in students the importance of prioritizing the needs of others over their own.

To date, more than 1,000 Brave Bags filled with card games, small toys, fuzzy socks and slippers, Lego sets, Barbies, books, water bottles, toiletries, and more have been delivered to hospitals across Iowa including UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City, Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, and more.

-Submitted photo
The seventh grade civic engagement class at Humboldt Middle School is collecting supplies to fill Brave Bags for hospitalized children in Iowa. The class is asking for donations of various items including socks, lotion, small toys, coloring and art supplies, and more.

“Students have always enjoyed participating in Brave Bags,” said Phillips. “It provides them with valuable real-world experience while giving back to the community. Each year, it’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and dedication as they fully immerse themselves in the project, striving to collect as many donations as possible.”

Hoogland’s classes at Humboldt Middle School are currently collecting items for this year’s Brave Bags. Donations of markers, colored pencils, crayons, coloring books, crossword and puzzle books, playing cards, toiletries, books, water bottles, and more are being accepted by mail or drop off at Humboldt Middle School. Monetary donations can also be mailed to the school or can be made by Venmo to @BraveBags.

“All the items included in the list are designed to be suitable for children to use while in a hospital room, offering both entertainment and comfort,” said Phillips. “Each year, students play a significant role in identifying and selecting new items. They have even created an Amazon Wish List which can be accessed through our Facebook page.”

Phillips and Hoogland’s students have received many thank you notes from children including one from William who told the class “You made my day. I am going through a lot. I love learning about cops. I am in the hospital because I am getting a brain scan because I have seizures. PS. You guys are great.”

Both monetary and item donations for Brave Bags can be made through March 31.

Items needed for Brave Bags include:

Markers, crayons, colored pencils

Coloring Books (for all ages)

Crossword and puzzle books

Pens, pencils, highlighters

Small notebooks and sketchbooks

Chapstick

Card games and playing cards

Hand sanitizer

Gum, mints

Nail polish

Travel-sized toiletry items

Fuzzy socks and slippers

Small new stuffed animals

Water bottles

Toothbrushes and toothpaste

New hair ties, headbands, and small brushes

New hats, baseball caps

Lego sets, Matchbox cars, Barbies, Playdoh, any small toys

Books — picture or chapter books

Monetary donations for the purchase of the drawstring bags

All donations can be dropped off or mailed to Humboldt Middle School.

Donations can also be made by Venmo to @BraveBags

Donations will be accepted until March 31.