11/5/12 FORMING FAMILIES - FOSTER KIDS

I read a post a few months ago about an opportunity to make Welcome Boxes for kids entering foster care in the Portland metro area, but at that time I hadn't made a commitment to blogging about helping parent-less kids to find families and didn't pass the info along.  Today, however, there was another post and I'm spreading the word.   Foster kids are just as important to me as kids waiting to be adopted.  Both are in need of a family, one temporarily and the other permanently. 

So, here's the deal.  Many times a child is removed from their home, then ends up sitting in the DHS office for an hour or two while their caseworker finds a placement for them.  They have little or nothing of their own with them.  They've just lost everything familiar in their lives.  They know nothing about the people whose homes they're about to be taken to.  They have had their whole life disrupted.  They have nothing to do while they wait.  They just sit.

That's where Welcome Boxes come in! Each box must contain something to write on, something to write with, non-perishable snacks, toothpaste & toothbrush, flashlight with batteries, and a nightlight.  Additionally, each box will contain seven extra items that fall more on the fun side of things than the practical.

This Friday there is going to be a private box packing party and they are asking for some last minute filler items to be donated.  Does that sound like something you, your family, office, or group of friends would like to help with?   There is also a need for public locations for people to drop off donations through Thursday, businesses with easily accessible parking and regular business hours.  If either of those things interest you then please go to today's post on Frugal Living NW to find out more about what is needed and how you can help. 

If you would like to be involved in making Welcome Boxes, but won't be able to help with this week's project, then please read the post from August.  It has detailed directions on how to assemble the boxes, labels to use, and contact information for the woman in charge.  Please follow the directions exactly, as these boxes need to be a blessing to all foster kids and comply with DHS rules. 

At the time of the first Welcome Box post there were boxes being delivered in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties, and now Clark county is in the mix.   If you live outside of those counties, but are interested in coordinating something similar in your area, then please read the August post for some info or contact your local DHS office directly.