The Jefferson County Foster Children’s Fund gave away about 500 Christmas gifts to children in foster care this year, thanks to generous community donations, said Theresa Robson, the group’s president.
Caregivers for children in foster care in Jefferson County picked up gifts for youngsters at the nonprofit’s headquarters, 10880 Business 21, in Hillsboro, on Dec. 20.
Robson said the gift-giving event was separate from the nonprofit’s annual holiday party, held earlier this month, when children in foster care got to pick out clothing, books and toys, and meet with Santa Claus.
She said there were so many extra toys donated to the nonprofit this year that the group organized the extra “shopping” event for foster parents to come and pick up more gifts to put under the Christmas tree as a surprise to their foster children. Caregivers could pick up five gifts for each child in their custody, and Robson said 100 children were registered to receive gifts.
She said the donations came from people, families, businesses and churches.
“Earlier in the year, we were worried that we wouldn’t have as many donations, but really it may be one of our biggest years yet, with toys donated,” she said. “It’s pretty amazing, especially given what the economy is right now. I think people who have a little bit are realizing how fortunate they are and maybe are trying to ensure others have that.”
Robson said the group’s annual holiday party is meant to give the foster children a “big wow moment.”
She said about 500 children currently are in foster care in the county.
“They can receive gifts, have an awesome experience and know that there are people in the community who love and care for them,” she said. “Hopefully, it gives them some hope and some positive memories to maybe balance out some of the trauma they’ve been through.”
The Jefferson County Foster Children’s Fund provides support for foster children by donating clothing and supplies, and by funding special services or activities. For example, Robson said the nonprofit will provide a new foster parent of an infant with a baby basket, clothing, bottles, brushes and other supplies.
The nonprofit holds an annual Easter egg hunt and summer picnic for foster children, in addition to the holiday party, Robson said. At the picnic, the children can take home supplies needed for the upcoming school year.
Any leftover toys donated this year will be used at either the egg hunt or for the “birthday buddies” program, Robson said. Foster parents who sign their children up for the birthday buddies program will receive a basket from the nonprofit on their children’s birthday, complete with all their favorite toys and clothes.
For more information about the nonprofit, visit jeffcofosterfund.org or call 636-310-1200.
“We want to thank the community and let them know how much their generosity is paying off,” Robson said. “I think sometimes when people donate things, they’re not quite sure where it’s really going. One hundred percent of what comes in goes directly to support the kids in foster care.”