HOLLAND, Mich. — Each year, L'Oréal Paris searches the nation for 10 women who go above and beyond to help make a difference in their community.
This year, Lisa Hoeve of Holland has been nominated as a Women of Worth after changing the lives of thousands of foster children in Michigan.
Hoeve’s nonprofit, Hope Pkgs, has allowed foster children to feel a sense of comfort when they enter foster care. Their mission strives to bring hope one first-night bag at a time.
“We just found that a lot of times they don't come with anything,” Hoeve said. “We had a 5-year-old girl come with her white kitchen trash bag, and she had packed things in. And, you know, you just think there's got to be something else.”
Hoeve created first-night bags, which are filled with toiletries, pajamas, blankets and more.
“Just to provide these kids with something new, and it's just theirs,” she said.
Each woman honored by L'Oréal receives $25,000 from the beauty company to put toward their non-profit.
Hoeve says this donation just blows her mind.
“That's just another great way to ensure that we can continue to take care of, you know, the 10 to 11,000 kids that are in Michigan foster care by providing first night bags… So that's a huge relief.”
Hope Pkgs relies on donations from the community to bring their mission to life. Newly purchased items such as blankets, clothes and toiletries are welcomed.
To learn more about Hope Pkgs and their mission, you can visit their website here.