Local Tattoo Artist Organizes ‘Suitcases for Fosters’ Event to Support Children in Foster Care

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Leiah Wainscott is organizing an event called Suitcases for Fosters to support children in foster care. The event will take place on Saturday, November 23, from 12-5 p.m. at Needle Nonsense tattoo shop on Richmond Road in Lexington. Wainscott, a tattoo artist with a year and a half of professional experience, takes a personal approach to this initiative, as she herself has experienced life in the foster care system.

The primary goal of the event is to collect suitcases for kids in foster care, providing them with a sense of stability during transitions between homes. “I’m out here trying to get more people to come out to my event. I want to give them a form of stability,” Wainscott explained.

Wainscott has a deep personal connection to the items being collected. She recalls her own experiences moving from home to home at the age of 15, often with her belongings packed in trash bags. “The one thing I remember from moving to different homes was they grab the trash bag,” she said, emphasizing the lack of dignity in that experience. Having lived through these struggles, Wainscott is determined to make a difference for current foster children.

Wainscott has a young child and is planning to become a foster parent herself. The upcoming event aims to create community support for those walking the same path she did. “If that means working hours upon hours giving out free tattoos for donations of suitcases and toys, that’s what I’m going to do,” Wainscott stated.

Attendees are encouraged to bring suitcases, and those donating are invited to include a toy or activity for the children and teens receiving them. Wainscott’s commitment to this cause reflects her hope for a brighter future for children in foster care.

The community’s participation is crucial for making the event successful and helping Wainscott achieve her goal of providing children with much-needed resources and support.