The project was started in 2004 to help those teenagers in foster care, ages 13-18, who are often overlooked during the Christmas season. The program has evolved in the last couple of years to start providing for other agencies within Lake County handling various teenage age groups such as Carle HS, the Safe House and more.

From a modest beginning of collecting gifts and goodies, to the second year of Christmas Stockings with a fleece blanket, the program has grown in scope each succeeding year. Each year the basics are still provided along with new items that make the annual gift more meaningful. In addition to clothing (winter parkas, PJ sets, t-shirts, socks, etc.) annual donations include gifts for the recipients to give to their parents, new sleeping bag, bed pillows with home made pillow cases, home made coat scarves and hats, games, sports balls, postage, all occasion cards/Christmas cards to mention a few.

The filled duffle bags along with all other items in a large bag are delivered to the various agencies around Lake County the Tuesday and Wednesday following Thanksgiving weekend. Annual donations are made to about 130 kids and range in cost per recipient of between $275 – $320. Many individuals, organizations, clubs and charities throughout Lake and surrounding counties support the program. Totes4Teens is a 501©(3) non-profit organization.