Story Can Change the World: Partnering with Washington West Film Festival

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, SixDegrees.org activated its Building Kits initiative in partnership with the Washington West Film Festival. The festival hosted an anniversary screening of “Footloose” and empowered SixDegrees to create and distribute resource kits for young people impacted by foster care across the state of Virginia. Virginia’s Kids Belong was the sole recipient of kits through this activation, receiving 1,500 kits containing 19,696 items of care valued at $22,571.

“Belonging begins with feeling safe and having your basic needs met... Each bag provides a quick way for a youth to feel better about themselves,” said Karen Parson, chief operating officer at Virginia’s Kids Belong. “They are encouraged and have a sense of normalcy and control over their own circumstances. More than anything these hygiene kits show kids in crisis that their community cares about their experiences and wants the best for them. Hygiene items are one of the greatest needs in our communities and our partners are excited to be able to share these kits quickly. One of our partners exclaimed, ‘this is such a blessing, we have run out of these supplies and the need continues to grow as more kids come into foster care.’ Virginia's Kids Belong is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this amazing event and share these kits across the state. This project has increased a sense of belonging and improved the outcomes for kids and families experiencing trauma and displacement.”

Volunteers contributed 120 hours to build these kits and broke a record for fasted BKxKB kit build. SixDegrees is grateful to Brand Partners Bombas and Dr. Bronner’s and sponsors Washington West Film Festival and LOOK Cinemas Reston for making this activation possible.