Local groups give welcome bags to SAFE foster program

Written by Carol Strychalski

Recently, The SAFE Alliance Foster & Adopt program accepted two generous donations of welcome bags for children coming into foster care placement.

The first donation of backpacks came from Central Texas nonprofit Carrying Hope through a collaboration with Helping Hand Home.

The second donation of “Sweet Cases” were given by the O’Neill FAIA foster family, who facilitated a group of volunteers to pack bags in coordination with the organization Together We Rise. Each bag is full of items to welcome and comfort children as they are placed in a new home.

I recently had the privilege of giving one of these bags to a young child who came to his new foster home with only the clothes he was wearing. The only toy he had from his birth home was a ninja turtle stick. We opened the bag, and he was so excited to find ninja turtle pajamas and night light, a star wars toothbrush, a car, a soft blanket, and several other items just for him!

This was also a huge help to the foster parents who had no little boy items in the home, as they had previously cared for preteen girls. Thank you to both groups for your generosity. Your kindness makes a big difference!