Welcome Bags:
These bags are filled with new comfort and necessity items and are given to children (ages 0-18) as they are transitioned into a foster placement. Welcome Bags are delivered year round to local children. This is our first attempt to connect with and welcome a child into our community. We believe that the use of trash bags to transport a child's only belongings is further insult to the vulnerable child. We need your help with this. We need individuals, neighborhoods, churches, groups, schools, troops, and businesses to partner with us to host drives to create and fill these bags. Remember all items in the welcome bags should be in NEW condition.
Ages 0-2
- 1-2 packs of wipes
- 2 bibs
- Stuffed animal (safe for babies- no eyes)
- Book
- Blanket
- Baby Toy
- Full size toiletries in plastic bag: baby wash, lotion, soft toothbrush, fluoride free toothpaste
Ages 2-4
- Blanket
- Stuffed animal
- Book
- Craft/Art item
- Small puzzle
- Full size toiletries in plastic bag: toothbrush/toothpaste, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, body wash
Ages 5-7
- Blanket
- Stuffed animal
- Book
- Craft/Art item
- Small puzzle
- Full size toiletries in plastic bag: toothbrush/toothpaste, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, body wash
Ages 8-10
- Blanket
- Stuffed Animal
- Book
- Craft/Art item
- Puzzle
- Full size toiletries in plastic bag: toothbrush/toothpaste, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant
Ages 11-13
- Blanket
- Book
- Craft/Art item (nail art, origami, slime, putty, card game, journal/coloring supplies, etc.)
- Puzzle or Puzzle book
- Full size toiletries in plastic bag: Toothbrush/toothpaste, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant
- Warm socks, snuggle pillow, or stuffed animal
Ages 14-18
- Blanket
- Stuffed animal, snuggle pillow, or warm socks
- Book
- Puzzle or puzzle book
- Art/craft item (nail art, origami, slime, putty, card game, journal/coloring supplies, etc.)
- Full size toiletries in plastic bag: toothbrush/toothpaste, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant
Welcome Party:
We partner with businesses, individuals, and community groups to host awareness events and enrichment activities at local venues. These opportunities, and Welcome Parties, allow youth in foster care and their families to participate in activities they may not otherwise be able to. Some of these activities include craft events at Christmas parties, and trips to sports complexes, YMCA, or other fun venues. Churches and organizations interested in hosting an awareness event to provide information about foster care and adoption are also in great need. We are always looking for new partners to host events, donate or discount supplies, and volunteers. Email us at contactus@warmwelcomes.org if you would like to join our efforts.
Service Learning:
We provide children in foster care opportunities to participate in outreach opportunities. Reaching Out events allow children to be empowered, while discovering some of their own gifts and talents by giving back to others. If you know of an organization that could use our help, please let us know.
Support and Getting Everyone Involved:
Warm Welcomes FCO provides opportunities for community members of all ages and of various talents to get involved. Here are a few more ways to get involved:
- Make a blanket for our Welcome Bag Outreach (quilt, crochet, no-sew fleece)
- Pray for the children, birth families, foster families, court system, and the foster care community.
- Meet an urgent clothing or supply need, as they arise. These will be posted on Facebook
- Host a donation drive in your neighborhood or organization: money, books, Welcome Bag supplies, toiletries, gift cards, toys, card games, etc.
Be sure to check our Donate and Get Involved pages to find out more about how to help. Join us in WELCOMING A CHILD.
