First 24 Bags

The First 24 Bags

In Matthew 25:40, our Lord reminds us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”

The First 24 Bags are a ministry of compassion, designed to meet the urgent needs of children entering foster care. So often, these little ones arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back, stepping into an unfamiliar home during a time of fear and uncertainty. Just as the Good Samaritan tended to the wounded traveler, these bags serve as a first touch of Christ’s love—providing comfort, dignity, and reassurance in those critical first 24 hours.

Each bag is prayerfully prepared and filled with clothing, hygiene items, and a few special treasures such as books, Bibles, and cards of encouragement. They are tangible reminders that these children are not forgotten—that they are precious in the eyes of God and dearly loved by His people.

How the Program Works
The First 24 Bags are specifically created for children who receive emergency placement, offering supplies in the immediacy of transition. These bags can be retrieved by HHS representatives, law enforcement officers, hospital staff, or others in an official capacity who are working directly with children in urgent need.

For children whose needs are not immediate, ATLAS of Lyon County also offers the Foster Closet program, which provides ongoing support and resources. Together, these ministries ensure that foster children are met with both the immediate care and the continued support they deserve.

Through the First 24 Bags, we as the Body of Christ have the opportunity to clothe the vulnerable, lift the brokenhearted, and plant seeds of hope in young lives. For every bag given, we pray it whispers God’s truth into a tender heart: “You are seen. You are loved. You are not alone.”

Ways to Support This Program:

The goal of this program is to have age appropriate & gender specific backpacks on hand at all times. All of the items in the bags are new and carefully planned. The best way to help facilitate this program is by the purchase of items, such as "$20 Gift Cards" to Dollar General (one of these will be placed in each bag) or a donation to ATLAS of Lyon County, with "First 24 Bags" in the memo of the check. 

  If any specific needs arise as bags are distributed, these needs will be listed on our Facebook page & mentioned in our emails. If you would like to join our email list, please let us know!