Welcome back to Unmasking the Heart for Change, where we dive into the real stories behind transformation, one, heart to heart at a time. I'm your host, Tammy Winstead, and I'm so thankful you tuned in today. Today's episode is all about what it means to offer dignity, hope, and purpose to a child who are often thrown into one of life's hardest journeys- foster care. My guest and friend Stacey Malone took her heartbreak. From a moment most of us would overlook and turned it into a movement of love, one travel bag at a time. Layne's Luggage is doing more than collecting luggage. It's packing hope for the children's future. Stacy, I'm honored to have you here today. Before we dive in, would you take a moment to introduce yourself to our listeners and tell us a little about yourself and what led you to this work?
Thank you so much, Tammy. I'm so excited to be here and for this opportunity. I'm Stacy Malone and I'm the founder of Layne's Luggage based in Oceola, Arkansas. We support foster families, case workers, and child welfare organizations by helping meet immediate needs, starting with something as simple but powerful as giving kids a real bag to carry their belongings in. This all started from a very personal place for me. My husband and I became foster parents, and we eventually adopted our daughter, who is now 20. That journey opened my eyes to the gaps in the system and how many families, caseworkers, and especially the kids, are just doing the best they can with what little they have. So Layne's Luggage has grown from that one moment into something much bigger, and I'm really excited to share our story today and hopefully inspire some others to come along with us and be a part of that change.
I love it. You know, so often real change starts with one moment that just stops you dead in your tracks. Can you take us back to that moment for you? Tell us about the meaning behind the name Layne's Luggage.
Absolutely. So to really understand that moment, I have to kind of back up a little. I had known my daughter even before she entered foster care, long before we officially adopted her. The night that we were called to the DCFS office, she was already with us. So we packed the few items that we had already, like bought for her and, some belongings that she had with us and we put them in like a small tote bag and we headed up there when we arrived, her siblings were already there, so she's one of three. The caseworkers had filled trash bags with whatever items had been quickly gathered from their home. I watched these scared, confused children, dig through these bags, unsure of what was clean, what even belonged to them. That broke my heart. If we hadn't brought my daughter that bag, she too would've had her belongings taken with her in a trash bag. So that moment stuck with me six years later. That is really what became the spark of Layne's Luggage. So Layne is actually my daughter's middle name. So to me the name itself symbolizes that place in between being stuck in the middle. Just like so many children in foster care with Layne's, Luggage, we're working to bring dignity to that experience, HOPE in every handle.
Yes. I love that. That resonates so well with me. Cause you know, my whole podcast is about the messy middle and I love this story. Can you take us back to the moment Layne arrived and what stayed with you from that experience? How did it influence the heart behind Layne's Luggage?
So, so, you know, our story is a little different than most. We had already had an established relationship with her before she came into foster care. So there was a bond already there from the start. I realized that that's not something most foster families get. Many are meeting these kids for the first time under incredibly difficult circumstances. But honestly, I think that's what made it hurt for me even more. Knowing this child I already loved had to go through something so traumatic. That right there just breaks you. I just wanted to do everything right by her to give her some kind of peace in the middle of all of that chaos. That's really where the heart of Layne's Luggage kind of comes from. Also, I carry those foster parents in mind. The ones stepping into the unknown, trying their best to make a child feel safe and welcomed. It's not easy. It doesn't always come naturally, but if we can give them even one small tool, a bag, a resource, a little support to make that transition softer for these kids, then that's what we're here to do. Yes.
Yes. So, how did that one moment grow into something so much bigger? It's literally a full movement to support other foster kids.
So at first it was just this feeling that I could not shake what I witnessed that night. It what? Not a one-time thing. It was part of a bigger ongoing issue. Kids in crisis were being handed trash bags to carry what little they owned. That image stuck with me and I just kept thinking we have to do better. Mm-hmm. And I wanna be clear, it's not the caseworker's fault. They're doing the best with limited time and resources, but that's exactly why I felt like someone needed to step in. So I started small collecting bags and basic essentials. I partnered with local organizations like Together We Foster and began getting those items into the hands of the kids who needed them. As I started sharing my story and my why behind it, people really kind of connected with that, and they wanted to help more and be a part of it. So that's when it clicked. This wasn't just about bags, it was about dignity, about reminding these kids that they matter, even when everything around them feels uncertain. Layne's Luggage became a way to fill that gap and a way for others to step in and say, you are seen. You are worth more than a trash bag.
What you're doing isn't just about a bag at all. It's about dignity, stability, and encouragement. At a crucial moment, you're stepping into a child's most fragile moment, one where they're becoming completely displaced from their norm. You've built Layne's Luggage around the word HOPE- heart, opportunity, purpose, encouragement. How did those words come to define your mission?
When a child enters foster care, they're already facing so much uncertainty, fear, confusion, sometimes even shame. The least we can do is hand them a suitcase. And with it a small sense of dignity, comfort, and care. That's really where hope came from. Heart, opportunity, purpose, encouragement. Those aren't just nice words. They're the very things that these kids are often missing in that moment.
Yes.
They're being pulled from everything they've known, and in the middle of all of that loss, we want to be a reminder of what is still possible. So heart means they are loved. Opportunity, reminds them their story isn't over. Purpose says they have value and encouragement tells them that they're not alone. That's the message we want to send with every bag we pack, no matter what they're walking through, there is still hope.
Where have most of your donated bags come from so far, and how have you been able to gather them?
So far, most of our donations have come from friends and family who've just kind of stepped up in really generous ways. I've also found some great deals, thrift stores. I'm a big goodwill shopper. So thrift stores, yard sales, and even some auctions. I'm always keeping my eye out for quality bags at a good price. We post to our social medias anytime that we have a need and then word of mouth and even friends and family that find other resources like you have for me, Tammy, is if someone posts and says, Hey, I've got this, that needs to go somewhere.
Tagging Layne's Luggage in that and making that connection if they so feel the need to donate those items is amazing. Along the way, I've hosted some targeted drives for school supplies, backpacks, lunch bags, coats, even Halloween costumes, just to try to meet those specific needs throughout the year. People have dropped items off to me. I've met others to pick things up. I've even collaborated with some other organizations like, Imagine and Believe out of Searcy together items that they already have sourced. It's been a lot of little efforts coming together. And honestly, I'm just so thankful for every person who has supported us so far that truly means the world.
What have the folks on the front lines like the caseworkers and foster parents shared with you about how this is helping?
So, most of my work has been through Together We Foster up until now, but this year we're starting to step into more of a direct role, really connecting with the main contact level within Mississippi County. That's a big move for us. It's been met with a lot of encouragement and some challenges. I've had foster parents reach out to say how thankful they are to see more support coming into the county. It means a lot to them to know that someone's thinking about these kids beyond a paperwork and an appointment appointment. The biggest challenge, honestly, has been staying in regular contact with the caseworkers. They're stretched so thin and we completely understand that, but we're here just waiting for the call because we know the needs are there. And we've also welcome foster parents to reach out to us to connect with us as well, because no one knows their needs better than they do, and we're ready to meet them however we can.
Has there been a moment where you just knew this is why I'm doing this?
Absolutely. This is something that I will never forget and it makes me a little emotional. So last year I was hosting a back to school themed charity pageant. The pageant itself was the draw, you know, to get the people there, but the real goal was to collect as many school supplies as possible. At that time, we were donating to Together We Foster. The night before the event, when I was setting up and working, I was feeling so discouraged. I hardly had any registration forms come in, and I was terrified that we wouldn't have the turnout or the donations that I had hoped for. So again, I'm, as I'm setting everything up, I'm working and, and I'm literally praying. I remember asking, Lord, please send the people. And I truly believe that in that moment he spoke to me and said, the people are money. And I'm like, okay. Didn't fully understand. I'm like, yes, registration fees help us reach our financial goals. But it wasn't really about the crowd. It was about what would be given. And He was right the next day. We didn't have a huge number of participants. But when I tell you that two young contestants showed up with so many school supplies to add to some that we had already gathered throughout the day, but these two girls specifically, we had to use two trucks Wow. And a car to get everything delivered over to Together We Foster. That right there was the moment watching these donations roll in, knowing where they were going and how they would impact the kids in need. I just stood there and thought this, this is it. This is why I'm doing this. Not only sitting in that moment and being fearful of not having enough to show up, but God showing out in the volume of items because that's really what it was all about. And then seeing the future generation in these girls and knowing that they also have the heart for this. And I stay in contact with one of them regularly. She's even made the newspaper because of her donations. For other things in Together We Foster it. Just that right there, it's not just for the kids that are in foster care, but it's to leave a legacy and, and an impact on the ones that know that they too can make a difference.
I absolutely love that, and I love that you're unmasking the fact of the rawness of a nonprofit heart when you put forth that effort and then you stand there before that moment and you go. Please let people just come. That's so real. Like we've all been there. I remember when I launched this podcast and I was like, oh, what am I gonna do if nobody even listens, mm-hmm. I, I'm telling you that terrified to log back in and then seeing the numbers. I'm like, oh, okay. It's, it's a frightening. So thanks for sharing that. So I'd love to hear how Layne's Luggage has grown, especially the impact you're seeing close to home. You've actually showed up in more ways going beyond luggage, and I'd like to unmask that you've been doing amazing work with Green County and Together We Foster for several years now. What made you turn your attention toward Mississippi County?
So I loved working with Green County and Together We Foster, they really are what helped get Layne's Luggage off the ground. At that point, it was just me and not really a label to it. But at the end of the day, I live in Mississippi County. Mm-hmm. This is home. And as the project grew, I felt this strong pull to start pouring more into the place where I live. The truth is the resources just aren't as available here.
Yes,
There's still kids going without basics, foster families who don't have enough support. I realized that if no one else was gonna step in, maybe I was the one who needed to start that movement here. Being pulled, to put that much faith in an area that you know that the support is not there already is a big leap. And that's why, that's why I said that this is. Was very scary. It was, it was very scary. It still is.
Mm-hmm.
So it became really important for me to bridge that gap locally, not just to serve where the system is strong, like Green County, and where Together We Foster is already planted, but to show up where it's lacking,
Mm-hmm.
these kids matter just as much. And I want them to feel that in a real tangible way.
Yes. When you look at how counties different in terms of foster care and support, what stands out to you and what are the gaps you feel called to fill?
The biggest gaps that I see, especially in counties like Mississippi County, is the lack of active foster homes yeah. In some parts of Arkansas. The home to child ratio is absolutely heartbreaking, especially when you look at it in the terms of population for that county. There just aren't enough places for these kids to go, but here's the thing. We don't have enough homes because we don't have enough support. Mm-hmm. Being a foster parent is already such a selfless, challenging commitment. When you add a lack of resources to that, it's no wonder people hesitate to step forward, and I get it. I've seen that struggle firsthand, but that's why Layne's Luggage, and many other organizations, we exist to be that one small piece of the support system to give those foster families and children something to say, you are not alone. Everyone says protect the children, but it takes action, not just words caseworkers are doing everything they can, but they're overwhelmed. They need backup. These families need backup, and I just felt called to help fill that gap however, it was even possible
trying to build something meaningful close to home can come with its own hurdles. What's been the toughest part for you? What other ways have you been able to grow and expand your impact beyond providing luggage?
Girl. Honestly, everything is hard. Getting in touch with the right people, building a strong team, spreading the word, finding the resources, it all takes so much work. But through it all, keeping my faith, I keep praying. I tell God, if you want this change to happen, it will happen. So I just keep pushing forward knowing that, just talking about it. I know he will send those people to make those connections and doing whatever it takes to keep it going. Sometimes it feels like a mountain, but I believe every step brings us closer. Just like making that connection with Imagine and Believe. I was able to go in there, speak with her, to someone who's been through this and been doing it for years to gain a mentor and a friend out of that, and then her. Saying, okay, let's talk to one of your foster families, whoever you know, whoever you can get to respond. I come home with a carload of items for that family, not just luggage, but, cleaning supplies and food and clothes, beach towels, you know, just all of the amounts of things that they could possibly need. And so that in itself is just a blessing. And it just shows growth. Being able to, we're all doing the same job. We don't have to compete. We're all doing this together. Even though they're a different county, they're, we're still servicing the children of Arkansas.
Yes. And that's how we grow and that's how we make each other stronger. It's a community. It takes a village that age old saying it's still true this day for sure, takes a village that is a tremendous resource. You're doing something so important, but it's the kind of work that really does take a village. Let's talk about ways our listeners can come alongside you and help make that difference happen. Where do you see opportunities for the community to join you in this work? And what kind of help do you need most right now?
Right now? So right now one of our biggest priorities internally, more or less, is securing our nonprofit status. That, for us, is a crucial step because without it, we can't access grant funding, and that could really expand our reach and impact. But what we need most are individuals who want to be more than just donors. People who want to roll up their sleeves and be boots on the ground. We need team members. Who can help us spread the word, organize drives, connect with local businesses, and build relationships within the community. The more people that are invested in this mission, the bigger the impact we can have. Together we can bring real lasting change to the lives of these foster kids in our area and show them that they are not forgotten.
And with that, she won't ask for it, so I'm gonna say it. She needs people to come alongside her that will help serve as a board. Yes. Because that is so important to establish her nonprofit and her 5 0 1 C3. It's kind of one of the essential factors. So if you're listening right now and you have a connection or you know somebody, or you are a foster parent or you were a foster child, I'm asking you, everything will be linked below. We'll talk about it here in a little bit, but I'm asking you to pray about it because what she's doing and her vision for this is huge. I can talk about this. Without her getting mad at me 'cause she is my friend and it's gonna grow into something amazing. And if you wanna be on the ground floor of that, now's the time. So I saw on your Facebook page that you mentioned needing more drop off locations and sponsors. Can you walk us through what kind of help you're looking for?
Absolutely drop off locations are really important because they give donors a convenient and trusted place to leave items if I'm not able to meet them in person. It makes it easier for people to contribute without the pressure of even scheduling, and it helps keep donations flowing consistently. Having more of these locations spread out across the county means we can reach more people and collect more supplies for the kids who need them. As for sponsors, they're crucial too, whether it's through donating items or providing financial support. Monetary donations help cover costs, like purchasing specific needs, transporting supplies, funding events or drives. But sponsors also give us credibility when reaching out to larger businesses, and they help us build a stronger, more sustainable organization. Drop off locations and sponsors are key pieces that keep Layne's Luggage moving forward and able to serve more kids and families. But in saying that, I have people that contact me, that friends from other states and other areas. And yes, if they want to to donate donate monetarily, that's great, but my biggest thing for anyone that doesn't live in Mississippi County. You have children in need in your area too. If you have luggage, don't try and ship them to me. Find somewhere local that you too can make an impact. This isn't just about Mississippi County. This is kids all over, not just the state of Arkansas. Any state that you're in, wherever you're listening from, there is a child in need. There is a child in foster care or a child in some sort of displaced service that can use what you have
When you look ahead a year or two, what do you hope Layne's Luggage grows into, and if nothing was holding you back, no limits, what would the dream version of this look like?
Wow. I I have such big dreams for Layne's Luggage in the next year or two, I hope it's not just me doing this work anymore. I wanna build a real team, a strong, passionate group of people who are a force to be reckoned with. Yes. I'd love to see us expand beyond bags and become a true resource for foster youth and families in so many areas in the dream version. We would have a scholarship division, not just for kids who have aged out of foster care, but also for those who were adopted and don't qualify as traditional children of the family. Mm-hmm. A lot of those kids fall through the cracks when it comes to support, and I wanna make sure that they are not forgotten. We'd also have partnerships with local businesses to help with prom dresses, tuxedos, haircuts, all the things that help kids feel seen during those big life moments. And maybe even one day we'll have a partnership with a car dealership to offer discounts on vehicles because transportation is such a huge need for young adults trying to build independence. Really, I want Layne's Luggage to grow into something that follows these kids through their entire journey. Not just in crisis, but in celebration, in transition, and in hope. And one day, maybe the Layne's herself can speak to what all of this has meant to her. That would be everything.
So as we end, there's one question I love to ask each of the inspiring change makers who share their heart with us. Can you share a moment when a small act of kindness, either something you gave or received, left a lasting impact on you?
I think for me it really started as a kid. I grew up in a very philanthropic home. We were always volunteering involved in different organizations and giving where we saw a need. It wasn't something that felt big at the time. It was just part of our life. But looking back, those small, consistent acts of kindness shaped me, and I completely thank my parents for that because they are big, big supporters also of land's Luggage. They taught me that giving doesn't have to be a grand matter. The showing up, the sharing, the listening, and that's something I carry with me in everything I do even today. Especially with Layne's Luggage, because sometimes the smallest gesture, a piece of Luggage, a kind word, a moment of support can make the biggest difference in a child's life. I know it did mine.
Yeah. Stacey, thank you so much for joining us today and for taking something as heavy as that first night with a kid showing up with a trash bag and turning it into something full of healing and hope.
To our listeners, here's something to take a moment and reflect on this week. How am I showing up for someone whose path feels uncertain right now? What could I offer? A kind word, a helping hand, a thoughtful gesture that reminds them they're not alone and makes them feel seen.
Here at Unmasking the Heart for Change. We believe that every guest who shares their truth with us leaves a lasting imprint, not just on this platform, but on every soul who listens. So as a small token of our gratitude, we wanted to give you a piece of our heart, something to remind you that your story matters and your impact is real. So I have created for you.
You're so stinking talented. Oh this, this is so cute.
Open it up. It's cuter inside,
The outside is cute. Stop. You even made it like my logo. I just thought Stop it.
And when you tap it to your phone, it opens up your link tree.
You are so stinking cool. Can I be you when I grow up?
Stacy, first, let me thank you again for standing in the gap for these kids and for building Layne's Luggage into something that brings real change with heart, opportunity, purpose, and encouragement, packed inside each and every bag.
To follow and support Stacy's work. You can find her on Facebook or Instagram at Layne's Luggage or check out the link in our show notes. And I wanna say that we will be linking her link tree here because I noticed on there she has Amazon wishlist.
I do.
That is an easy way to just go in there. Each one of those items are things that she packs into bags that go straight back out into Mississippi County, into these kids, and it really does matter. It really does make an impact.
So to our listeners, do you or someone you know have a powerful story of change to share? You know I want to hear from you. You can apply to be a guest by visiting our Facebook page or clicking the link in the show notes. Your journey may just be the impact that someone else needs to hear right now. If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to subscribe, share and leave a review. That's how more stories find us and we can reach more hearts that way.
And remember, change begins within and it starts one heart to heart at a time. See you next time guys. Thanks so much for joining us today. Bye.