No, we're not going camping.
So many children (and teens) come into the foster care system with very few belongings. Since the circumstances surrounding why they have been removed from their homes are never good, they often leave quickly, with only a trash bag to hold the few things they have brought with them. This is where Project Care Case comes in: they provide suitcases filled with the essentials to help make this transition a little more bearable for these hurting kids. A and H have both been on the receiving end of PCC, and while A came with many belongings and a heart of love, H came only with the clothes on her back.
Project Care Case is making a difference in the lives of these kids, so when we sent out invitations for A's birthday, we asked that guests bring a new/gently used suitcase to give to PCC. The response was great- and it came at a needed time! PCC was/is facing a suitcase shortage, as well as a depleted supply of the items that go inside each case. Yesterday, a plea was sent out on facebook, asking for people to sponsor a case for one of eleven children who are coming into care for the first time. I called D to see if we could take care of one- there was a need listed for a 2 year-old boy so I thought that was right up our alley- which led me to Target last night, searching the aisles for the items on my list. When A and H came into our lives, we were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, donations of clothing, toys, diapers, formula, gift cards and meals that we were blessed with. Many things came to us anonymously so we have no idea where to begin in thanking those who gave. Giving back in this way is our way of showing our thanks to all who gave so freely to us.
Do you know of an organization like this in your area? What are your favorite non-profits to support?
Oh, and for those wondering about the football game... we won 68-36. Yes, that's a football score, not a basketball score. We play 6-man which often means high scoring games.
What a great organization! And so cool that you are able to give back and pass some love along to another family.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite organization is one that offers parenting classes and support to new families. I really think that our world would be so different if we could figure out how to better support parents, surrounding them with education and encouragement and communication skills and community. And starting right at the beginning, empowering them to be involved and engaged in their child's lives. It seems so simple to me, but the state cut its funding for Parent Education a few years ago and programs like this one are closing left and right.
We have good family friends who always ask for donations to a charity of their childs choosing in leiu of birthday gifts. The parents still give the children gifts, but ask friends to give to the charity. It is a really cool tradition and the kids are so aware of the bigger community that they live in as a result.