When foster kids move from place to place, they often don't have luggage of their own and must carry their things in plastic bags.

Ron Nickerson of North Andover wouldn't have that. So in 2009, Nickerson -- social worker, longtime advocate for foster children and a foster dad himself -- launched an organization called Suitcases4Kids.

On Friday, State Sen. Bruce Tarr joined Nickerson and Police Chief Paul Gallagher at the North Andover Police Station to celebrate a donation to a cause that tackles that very issue.

"Sadly we found out that all too often kids end up making that move with just a plastic bag, and that is unacceptable," Tarr said.

Strong Leather Co. of Gloucester donated more than 120 suitcases, and Crystal Motor Express of Lynfield delivered them to North Andover.

"You never think of these kids going from place to place without suitcases," Debbie Savoia of North Andover said. "And I just thought it was a really good cause."

It's estimated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services that in 2010 there were nearly half a million children were in foster care in America.

There will be another Suitcases4Kids event at the Sargent School on April 28. For more information on the organization, visit suitcases4kids.org.

And check out video footage from Friday's event on North Andover CAM.