Justus Kelley, the reigning Miss Virginia USA 2026, is gearing up to represent her state at the upcoming Miss USA pageant, which is scheduled to take place in Miami on August 27. However, her preparation for the event has drawn attention for a rather unusual reason: she packed her belongings in trash bags, a decision she openly shared on her Instagram account.
Kelley, 31, posted a candid photo of herself at the airport, where she expressed her motivations behind using such unconventional luggage. In her caption, she revealed that the trash bags serve as a poignant reminder of the realities faced by many foster children. “Heading to Miami for the 75th Miss USA with the very type of bag I’ve seen children in foster care transition into my own home carrying,” she wrote.
As a foster parent and the founder of Foster Footprints, an initiative aimed at supporting foster youth in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Kelley has a deep personal connection to the challenges encountered by these vulnerable children. In an interview with PEOPLE, she elaborated on her journey, explaining that she and her husband, Tyler, have been licensed foster parents in Virginia for nearly two years.
Kelley recounted, “I married my college sweetheart, who shared with me on one of our very first dates that he, too, dreamed of fostering someday. Thirteen years later, we have welcomed children ranging from seven months to ten years old into our home.” She emphasised the importance of creating a nurturing environment, stating that they wished every child who crossed their threshold should feel safe, valued, and worthy of love.
Currently, Kelley and her husband are fostering a baby boy and his sister, a role she describes as a “privilege.” She cherishes the opportunity to celebrate important milestones, such as first steps, alongside these children. Kelley also recognised the support they have received from the children’s biological family during this process, highlighting the collaborative nature of fostering.
Despite her focus on reunification as the primary goal of foster care, Kelley and Tyler are connected to the children in a significant way—the couple has been asked to become their long-term godparents. “While we may not know exactly what our family will look like in the future, we know we want to continue to be a source of stability and comfort for any child who needs it throughout their journey,” Kelley explained.
Kelley’s Instagram post further elaborated on her message. The trash bags she carries symbolise a harsh truth too many children in foster care face. “A trash bag should never be a child’s suitcase. Every foster child deserves to carry their belongings with dignity—And I need you to help me make that possible,” she asserted. She described her participation in the Miss USA pageant as a platform for raising awareness about these crucial issues.
Her writing to PEOPLE conveyed a deep commitment to fostering, stating, “When we say yes to a foster placement, we don’t know what the outcome will be. But we refuse to let the uncertainty keep us from loving them fully.” Kelley firmly believes that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves to feel loved and valued.
Kelley holds a bachelor’s degree in community health along with a master’s in public health administration from Indiana University. In addition to her advocacy for foster care, she works as an adviser at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, further illustrating her commitment to serving vulnerable communities.
As she prepares for the Miss USA competition, Kelley is not only aiming for the title but also seeking to spotlight the importance of foster care and the dignity every child deserves. Her approach to participating in the pageant reflects her dedication to cost-effective strategies, as she documents her journey and encourages others to consider the larger message of compassion and support for foster children.
The anticipation surrounding Kelley’s participation in the Miss USA pageant continues to build. With her mission tightly intertwined with her platform, she perfectly exemplifies the impact of compassion in action as she prepares to take the stage in Miami.