How can I help?
If you're unable to become a foster parent, there are many ways you can still help children living with foster families in your community. Some of these include:
- Hold a luggage or backpack drive
- Tutor or mentor youth
- Provide respite care
- Offer special help around the holidays
- Make a monetary donation for things foster children or families may need, like:
- New glasses, new shoes or clothes for school, school pictures, haircuts, hair and/or nail services for prom, yearbook, class ring, graduation cap and gown, prom dress or tuxedo rental, sports equipment or uniforms, or extracurricular or summer activities
- Become a volunteer and donate your professional services to youth in foster care (ex. photographers, hair stylists, etc.)
- Donate items for children and youth in foster care, including:
- Children's books, school supplies, musical instruments, new items such as underwear, socks, coats, or earrings, phone cards for youth to stay close to family, treats for a child to distribute at school on special occasions, fingernail polish, or makeup
- Donate items to help foster families, such as:
- Laundry detergent, fabric, softener, bedding, toothbrushes, deodorant, hair care supplies, Christmas ornaments, or gift certificates for a resource family night at a local restaurant or at the movies
Contact Us
Contact your local Children’s Division office and ask how you can help a child in your community.