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Celebrate National Foster Care Month in May with KIC and Kids Matter Inc. Engage neighbors, friends, and family to gather supplies to fill a Fostering Hope Duffel Bag for children in foster care!
Nearly 100 children in Milwaukee County are removed from their homes each month because they are deemed unsafe, according to Children’s Wisconsin. Many of these children enter foster care with little more than the clothes on their backs. A Fostering Hope Duffel Bag gives a child something to call their own during a challenging time of transition.
Activities
Part One: All Month (at home/on your own time)
Your child/children will take the lead on this project! We will send you a Duffel Donation Checklist so you know what should be included in the duffel bag. Items include all the basics like an outfit, pajamas, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a book, a toy, etc. – please make sure all donations are newly purchased. KIC will provide the duffel bag itself. We’ll also send an additional packet with step-by-step instructions and talking points to help your child truly own this project.
Basic steps include:
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- 1. Pick the gender (male, female, or gender neutral) and age of the foster child who will receive their duffel bag.
- 2. Print the corresponding age-based checklist.
- 3. Decide who to ask for donations to help you fill the duffel bag.
- 4. Practice making the ask.
- 5. Reach out to family, friends, and neighbors to ask for donations to help fill a Fostering Hope Duffel Bag.
Part Two: In-Person Event
Bring all of the items you have gathered with you to our in-person event on May 18. Together, we will learn about foster care through stories, do some yoga, and get the duffel bags packed and ready to go.
All duffel bags will be distributed by Kids Matter Inc.
If you cannot attend the in-person event but still want to participate in creating a duffel bag, please email [email protected].
Impact
Kids will learn how to support other kids going through times of transition and change. They will gain an understanding of how a small act of giving can have a big impact.
When & Where
Sunday, May 18 from 4-5 p.m.
North Shore Presbyterian Church
4048 N. Bartlett Ave, Milwaukee 53211
Registration Information
Participant Cap: 60 Duffel Bags
Invite the kids in your life to work together to fill one duffel bag OR put each kid in charge of their own duffel bag. Please indicate how many people intend to fill a duffel bag when you register.
Age: K5+
Cost: Dependent on what your family decides to purchase and add to the duffel. We do encourage you to have your children reach out to family, friends, and neighbors to assist you in filling the bag. Put your kid in charge!
Questions: Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Cancellations: We count on our registered volunteers to make these projects come to life. However, we understand illness and emergencies do come up, so if you can no longer participate, please email [email protected] ASAP so we can fill your spot.
Our Partners
Kids Matter Inc. is an organization that supports kinship and foster children. Nearly 100 children in Milwaukee County are removed from their homes each month because they are deemed unsafe, according to Children’s Wisconsin. Kids Matter Inc. believes that every child needs someone in their corner. Through staff and volunteers, Kids Matter makes sure that children and their foster families get the support they need. Learn more about Kids Matter Inc. on their website.