Adriel Blog > November 20, 2024
Make the Season Brighter for Foster Kids, Parents, and Charities that Help Children
Whether you’re a current foster parent, a future foster parent, or someone looking for other ways to help kids, December is the perfect time to think deeply about blessings, the spirit of giving, and the true meaning of Christmas. The first Tuesday in December, widely recognized as Giving Tuesday, enables charities that help children (like us!) to close the year strong with a boost of generosity from continuing and new donors.
But what are some other ways to make the season brighter for foster kids? We’ve got some simple suggestions, specific opportunities, and idea starters for finding and supporting charities that help children during the holidays.
Simple Ways to Help Foster Kids Have a Better Holiday
There are many opportunities and ideas for helping foster kids and the charities that help children in foster care during the holidays, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top three.
1. Give/Get Help Providing Gifts or Experiences for Kids
One of the biggest holiday highlights for kids is the tradition of gift-
giving. But that’s easier said than done in many cases. The demands of the season can mean extra expenses for outings, family gatherings, travel, and more. These are all elements that help with a sense of belonging and togetherness.
Foster parents often rely on charities that help children to enhance their ability to give gifts to the kids in their care. With focused programs like Adriel’s Angel Tree Fund, foster parents get the support they need, and anyone can get involved with a simple donation of funding or toys.
For every donation we receive in support of our Angel Tree Fund, we are able to provide a Christmas gift for one Adriel foster youth or Bridges young adult in time for the holiday! This support will help ensure that every child in Adriel's care will receive a Christmas gift from their wish lift, just for them, shipped to their foster home.
2. Keep it Simple and Sincere
With increased potential for social interaction, perceived pressure to consume more, and temptations to make up for past challenges, it could be easy to overdo the season. It’s sometimes the quietest times together that mean the most, so make cherished memories with your foster kids but don’t try to force merriment – let it come naturally and enjoy the moment!
Remember, holidays can be overwhelming for anyone. Foster children have the additional stress of being separated from their biological family and even friends if they had to change schools. Leave space for them to choose activities and stay in tune with their feelings.
Try to focus on random acts of kindness, shared experiences, gratitude for what you have, and hope for a bright future. True to our mission of providing quality care for children in the spirit of Christian love, we encourage you to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the blessings we all enjoy as a result.
3. Lean On or Bolster your Community through Charities that Help Children in Foster Care
Whether offering or accepting help, there are many resources and charities that help children in foster care in your local community. For foster parents seeking support during the holidays, there are organizations like Adriel and many others that provide help in the form of training, respite care, and more. For people interested in partnering with charities that help children in foster care, Adriel has several ways to get involved, for example:
1. Donate funds to support our programs here.
2. Become an ambassador. Learn more.
3. Attend or volunteer at a fundraising event. Learn more.
4. Discover more ways to help here.
Ways to Support Charities that Help Children in Foster Care
You support us best by just raising your hand for something. Adriel and other charities that help children in foster care will make the most of whatever you can do, from a simple prayer, to becoming a foster parent yourself, and everything in between. We value your time, your donations, and most of all your loving spirit. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you and we wish you all the very best of the season!
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