“Someone who cares” donates handmade tote bags to help mission of the Sheriff’s Victim Advocate

Jackie Russow describes herself simply as “someone who cares.” She is also a person with a passion for making beautiful cloth tote bags.

Russow recently donated 15 of her handmade totes to Washoe County Sheriff’s Victim Advocate Kasey La Foon to use as emergency toiletry kits for victims of crimes such as domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Russow said she has been making totes for victims through the Crisis Call Center for over 12 years.

“I saw what they were using and thought I could make something a little nicer,” she said. “I enjoy making the totes and love the idea that they are going someplace where they can do some good and be appreciated.”

Sheriff’s Victim Advocate La Foon said the totes also send an important message to victims because they show that people do care.

“Even the smallest touch of caring and warmth helps a victim down the path toward becoming a survivor,” La Foon said.

Russow plans to make more totes for victims in the near future.

La Foon said that her office still needs essential toiletry items to fill the kits and is asking the community to continue helping victims by donating the following:

Anyone with donations is asked to contact Kasey La Foon at (775) 325-6454.