Did you know that May is Foster Care Month?

Many of our monthly events focus on kids under the age of 13. A lot of the time (especially in foster care) teens and older kids are often forgotten. This month we would like to support these often overlooked kids and focus on Orangewood Foundation in Orange, CA or any other foster care location in your respective area.

Orangewood helps foster kids in Orange County with anything from food, education, housing and life skills. As quoted on their site, “Without guidance, encouragement and resources these teens are unprepared to make the transition from foster care to self-sufficient adulthood. Within 18 months 40-50% become homeless and unemployed”.

[wt_spacer height=”20″]
[wt_spacer height=”20″]
[wt_spacer height=”20″]

1We have a variety of options for you to choose from on how to help Orangewood or any foster care organization.

  1. With friends – Snuggle Kits

Grab some friends and stuff pillow cases with blankets. Decorate a ribbon and a large note to a friend in need.

Supplies:

  1. New pillow case
  2. New blanket
  3. Ribbon
  4. Paper and pens

 

  1. A faster way to show you care: Orangewood said their most popular item for teens is prepackaged cup of noodle soups. They can grab, throw into their backpacks and go! Make individual ready packs of the soup cups with a spoon and ribbon.

Supplies:

  1. Cup of noodle soup
  2. Plastic spoons
  3. Ribbon to tie together
  4. (option) – for younger kids to participate easier, they can gently color/decorate the outside of the cup

 

  1. Easiest Avenue to give: In a pinch for time but still want to give? Orangewood gave a list of the most needed types of gift cards – Target, Walmart, fast food restaurants, Ralph’s grocery store, and movie tickets.

How to do it:

Have your kiddos come with you to the store and explain to them about the foster teens. Just about any gift card can be bought at your local grocery store. Pick up a couple and either mail them to Orangewood or drop off directly. Ambassadors can write a note or do a picture for the staff at Orangewood to let them know they care.

[wt_spacer height=”20″]
[wt_spacer height=”20″]

Any of these items can be dropped off directly at the Orangewood Foundation at 1575 E. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Or contact them at (714) 619-0200 or info@orangewoodfoundation.org

Hours of operation are M-F 8:30am-5:00pm