The past few years have been difficult for many people. Throughout the pandemic, people have lost jobs, closed businesses, and cut back on spending due to inflation. While few of us have escaped entirely unscathed, some have suffered more than others. The kids we serve at Fostering Christmas are among the hardest hit.
Holiday gift-giving charities have been popular for many years. They’re a simple way to spread a little Christmas cheer while reminding us to be grateful for what we have. But while the contributions organizations receive from everyday donors are crucial, major donors help ensure kids aren’t left behind. And there are fewer of them this year.
Several businesses that usually sponsor gifts for foster children have closed and can no longer contribute. Some charities have shuttered their doors, too. Other donors are funding different causes this year.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will lean more heavily on Fostering Christmas in 2022 than ever. We usually only support children who enter foster care after Thanksgiving, but we’re expanding our reach. Lists started coming in during early November and haven’t stopped. Hundreds of children need help to make this a happy holiday season.
But it’s not going to be easy. We expect to receive at least twice as many wish lists as we did in 2021. And remember, last year was our busiest ever, with 328 foster children served. With more than 600 children likely needing our help, your help is more critical than ever.
This is a challenge unlike any we’ve faced before, but we know we can make Christmas special for hundreds of in-need children with our community’s support. You can do a few key things to help us make our goal and not leave any children without a gift underneath their Christmas tree. Here’s how you can help:
Sign up to shop for wish lists. Claiming lists, purchasing gifts, and ensuring they make it to our headquarters is the single most important thing you can do this season to help us make every Christmas merry. We will continue posting new lists, so check back often!
Consider donating. If you can’t shop yourself for whatever reason, your monetary gifts will allow us to shop for you and fill the unclaimed lists shortly before Christmas. Every dollar counts!
Spread the word. Help more community members get involved by telling your friends, family, coworkers, and social media followers about the cause. A heartfelt message about why you hope other people will help Fostering Christmas this year will go a long way, but even sharing our blog posts on your timeline will help!
Making Christmas happen for foster children is an enormous undertaking, and we can use the extra hands. Reach out if you’re available to help us sort gifts and ensure no wish lists fall through the cracks. A couple of hours can make a big difference!
We expect big success this year, but we can’t do it alone. The holiday season is an awful time to feel forgotten, especially as a child. We hope you’ll offer whatever help you can to ensure foster children feel loved, valued, and remembered.