4 Steps to Create a Special Christmas for Foster Children

Foster parents do all they can to provide their foster children with a loving and secure home. This includes making holidays, such as Christmas, as special for them as possible. It’s difficult for them to be away from their biological families, even if their home environment is not as it should be. One exciting way you can help foster families during the holidays is to donate Christmas gifts for foster children through RISE Services, Inc. Arizona. Below are four ways to give foster children a fantastic Christmas this year.

1. Donate Holiday Gifts

Our Foster Family Christmas Gifts program provides much-needed Christmas gifts to Arizona children in foster care. There are no minimum requirements — whatever you can donate will make many children happy and excited on Christmas morning. We recommend using this opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of foster children as families, churches, or work colleagues. 

Consider taking your children shopping and asking them to pick out a gift for a foster child. This hands-on approach is excellent at teaching your children about giving without expecting anything in return. Perhaps your church group can purchase gifts for an entire foster family. If your workplace is looking to make a significant contribution this holiday season, get permission to set out a collection box with gift suggestions to provide gifts for foster families in your local community. 

2. Choose From These Suggestions

Each foster family and their children are unique, but there are particular items that most children would love to receive as a gift. Whether you wish to give a monetary donation or a physical gift, rest assured that all proceeds will provide a meaningful Christmas for children in foster care. We ask that you donate new, age-appropriate items for and consider all ages, ranging from newborns to teenagers and even beyond. Some of our families foster adults living with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Please keep that in mind as you are shopping for your gifts.

Here are a few gift suggestions that have been popular in years past:

• Stuffed animals
• Playsets
• Action figures or dolls
• Craft items or kits
• Board games and puzzles

3. Donate Essential Items

RISE Services, Inc. Arizona assists foster families with essential supplies and clothing when a foster child has been placed in their home. Our Care Closet was created to provide valuable necessities for the children in their care. Many foster children arrive at their new temporary home without any clothing, hygiene items, or toys from home. Supporting foster children and families in this manner can help those in dire need during the holidays. Any donations of the items below will help restock the Care Closet, often used in the winter.

• Shirts, pants, underclothing, and socks
• Coats and shoes
• Hygiene items for children and teens
• Toys for newborns and older
• Books for children and teens
• Diapers, wipes, and formula
• Backpacks and school supplies

4. Ship or Drop Off Gifts

In order for all gifts and monetary donations to be delivered to foster children by Christmas, they must be dropped off by November 30. Donations to the Care Closet can be made anytime throughout the year. Donations of scotch tape, gift wrap, ribbons, and bows are also much appreciated. 

Thank You for Making Christmas Special for Foster Children

With our amazing volunteers and those who selflessly give to foster families in need, RISE Arizona has the privilege of providing exciting and memorable holidays for many Arizona foster families. We are grateful for your support and look forward to seeing smiles on the faces of our foster children this holiday season. Contact us today for any questions regarding donations to the Care Closet or Foster Families Christmas Gifts program.