By SCOTT MIMS | Special to the Reporter

COLUMBIANA – Second Shift, a Shelby County-based nonprofit that assists youth who are aging out of foster care, will host its fifth annual Swag the Bag fundraiser on Nov. 1 at the Shelby County Arts Center in Columbiana from 6-9 p.m.

The event, which coincides with Homeless Youth Awareness Month in November, is a unique trash bag art and fashion show designed to raise funds and awareness to prevent youth homelessness.

“When we ‘link to the life’ of a youth who is aging out of foster care, we help to change the trajectory of their life,” said Tammy Spence, Second Shift founder and executive director. “If we can prevent homelessness and unemployment and other potentially dangerous outcomes, then they will live an entirely different life than they would have.”

Second Shift is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Shelby County that assists youth who are at-risk and aging out of foster care to transition from care to sustainable and connected independence.

“The foster care to homelessness pipeline is a straight shot,” Spence said. “Approximately 65 percent of older transitional-aged youth who leave foster care do so without identified housing, becoming immediately homeless.”

Spence also shared that a recent foster care alumnus, who remains anonymous, told her about the program, “I don’t know where I would be today if you hadn’t helped me get started.”

This year’s event will begin at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a preview of silent auction items, art and fashion entries and strolling magic from Brian Reeves, Birmingham’s premier award-winning magician. The program includes a welcome from Second Shift followed by dinner, more magic and the fashion walk. The evening will conclude with the recognition of the art and fashion winners and the presentation of the second annual #ForThisOne “Starfish” award to an outstanding individual demonstrating passion and purpose toward youth who are aging out of foster care and at risk of homelessness.

“Swag the Bag reframes the iconic trash bag ‘luggage’ of foster care into something fun and fabulous.” Spence said. “By turning trash bags into art and fashion, we want to send the message to youth in care and to the community that no one is disposable. There is unseen value and potential in each child in care.”

Contestants may register to create a work of art or fashion and be eligible to receive cash prizes and ticket holders can expect to enjoy the most unique event of the season.

For more information or tickets visit: Secure.givelively.org/event/second-shift/swag-the-bag-2024. Learn more about the event and the organization at: Secondshiftalabama.org.

Those interested in registering to create and enter can visit Docs.google.com/forms/d/1EOEpuP6XawRoDlocRmc2PQekf04gSVyM1KR8PWpTVI4/edit.