At our September 16th general meeting, Magda y Bejarano, who is a Foster Family Support & Community Engagement Champion with the Oregon Department of Human Services. She discussed ways for businesses to support the Foster Care system in Oregon. You can view her presentation here.
Below are two upcoming events where there are opportunities to support Foster children and families. Magda can be reached with questions at [email protected] or 503.872.6822.
On November 9th they have their annual Mittens & More event from 9am to 3pm. Foster families bring children in foster care to their largest branch in Portland to receive coats, scarves, gloves, boots and other clothing items for the winter. They like to make this a fun family event to share some snacks as well.
They could use help with:
- Volunteers to check-in families, help children find coats, hats, gloves, etc., break down donations, organize the room, serve/monitor snacks, and other similar tasks.
- Donations of winter clothes for children of all ages, snacks (hot chocolate, cookies, fruit, other yummy things) and/or money to purchase snacks.
Similarly, on December 21st they have their annual Toys for Tots event from 9am to 6pm. Foster families and children of families that receive public assistance (SNAP and TANF) can come to our office to “shop” for toys. We say “shop” not because there is a cost to families, but because the room is set as a store where children and families can choose their toys. For many families in the county this the only opportunity to “buy” toys and gifts for their children during the holidays. It is also a fun opportunity for children in foster care to bond with their foster family or visit with their biological family in a fun environment.
They could use help with:
- Volunteers to check families in and out, serve as a child “personal shopper” and walk around the “store” finding toys, wrap gifts, restock the room, serve/manage snacks, babysit, etc. Before the event we could use help break down donations and setting up the room.
- Donations of toys or gifts (specially for teens), snacks (hot chocolate, cookies, fruit, other yummy things) and/or money to purchase snacks and other small but costly needs such as wrapping materials, cards, water, etc.
