It seems when it’s time to get rid of our children’s old clothes, outgrown toys and equipment and other paraphernalia, we may just think of taking it all to the Goodwill or other thrift store, or having a garage sale. But, you may not realize that you can donate these items to your local Department of Human Services or Child Welfare office to be used by foster families.
Many foster care agencies keep equipment and furniture on hand like car seats, baby gates, cribs, strollers, bedding, and other furniture for foster families to use and have access to. This saves foster parents the expense and time constraints of having to rush right out and purchase a bunk bed or car seat for a child who is placed in an emergency or with very little notice. Many foster care agencies also keep “clothes closets” where foster families can access clothes and bedding for their foster children instead of having to purchase all new wardrobes each time a child enters or leaves their care. In the list of “needs” I get every couple months from my local agency, clothing for premature infants, coats and shoes are always on the list.
To find out if your local or regional agency accepts donations, as well as what they are in need of and looking for, try looking for one (or more) of the following in your phone book–Department of Human Services, Child Welfare, Child and Protective Service, or even Foster Care. Some areas also have volunteer and nonprofit organizations who work with children in foster care and their families and may conduct drives to collect items and articles needed by foster families.
In addition to giving away your own family’s outgrown items, you might consider organizing a “drive” at your church, school or neighborhood to collect beds, furniture, equipment, and necessary children’s items to be given to foster families–your unused and outgrown items will be going directly to children and families who really need them!