It’s time to bust out your inner Buddy the Elf and spread some holiday cheer this year by putting smiles on the faces of those in need. With approximately 424,000 youth nationwide in foster care this holiday season, the right gift could be the gift of a lifetime for them!
There are many ways you can give this season; however, we have compiled the top three ways to give to children in foster care.
Donate to Your Local Agency
Many agencies have wish lists of items they are looking for to help maintain their facilities or to gift to the children. For residential and group housing organizations, they often are looking for cleaning supplies, bedding, personal hygiene items, etc. Other agencies may be looking for items for specific children; these items could be clothes, school supplies, toys, books, etc. During this holiday season, some organizations may host clothing or toy drives as well — allowing you to pick up items and drop them off quickly and easily.
Another way to donate would be to provide monetary donations to your organization of choice. Contact the organization prior to donating if you have questions or concerns about what the donations go towards. For many, every penny is greatly appreciated!
Give Gifts that Give Back
While you’re out checking off your holiday to-do list, consider purchasing gifts that give back to others! From children’s toys to apparel and tasty snacks, purchasing certain items will donate a portion of the proceeds to foster care and adoption causes. The Fostering Great Ideas webpage provides a great detailed list of available gifts and the organizations that would benefit from them!
Give Your Time
One of the most precious gifts of all, your time, can make a world of difference in the lives of those in foster care. In fact, there are several ways you can volunteer your time! The one with the most direct impact would be becoming a foster parent — providing a safe space for children during this difficult time in their lives. To learn more about becoming a foster parent and the process involved, click here.
If you do not currently have the time to become a foster parent, other ways you can volunteer your time would be to become a respite provider, a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate), a mentor to a foster child, or become a driver for your local agency to help run errands or shuttle children. Keep in mind that the requirements/ availability of these volunteer positions can vary across states.
Be the reason a child has a smile on their face this holiday season. To discover more ways you can help, reach out to an agency in your area through the National Foster Care & Adoption Directory Search.
From all of us at KCare – Happy Holidays!
extendedReach powered by KCare is a customizable case management software solution designed with social workers in mind – specializing in foster care, adoption, and behavioral health. Equipped with an intuitive interface and powerful workflows, extendedReach by KCare puts time back in the hands of social workers, empowering them to focus on where it is needed most.