Mermaid Princess has gadgets and gizmos aplenty! She loves collecting trinkets to add to her collection! She’s taking some of her items (plus collecting some on the way) from the sea to the land with her this month and donating them to children who are entering the foster care system.
Did you know that nearly half a million children are in the foster care system in the United States? Mermaid Princess knows how nerve-wracking it can be to enter a new environment without some favorite, and essential, belongings with you. Children who enter the foster care system may not have the opportunity to grab their belongings, including essential life items such as a toothbrush, hairbrush, school supplies, etc. So not only do these children have to adjust to living with complete strangers, but they are left wondering if their new home will have the items they need.
Mermaid Princess encourages you to help children who are entering the foster care system. In a couple of hours, you and some friends can create multiple go-kits for children transitioning into a foster home. Go-kits are filled with essential life items, as well as some fun and creative activities as well. Plan a playdate with a purpose or invite some friends over for a movie night and do something kind this month! Earn your Orange Ribbon to add to your Kindness Wand by participating!
Items Needed*
- Fleece
- large enough to make a blanket, cut the edges and tie them together
- NEW toothbrushes
- NEW hairbrushes (no dinglehoppers please)
- Travel size toothpaste
- Soap
- Backpacks – preferably new or clean/gently used
- Books
- Building Blocks
- Nail polish
- Hair accessories – hair ties, clips, bobby pins, etc.
*feel free to adjust your items – you can add things like coloring books, crayons, pencils, notebooks, pajamas, sports equipment/gear, ANYTHING! As long as your items fit into a backpack, fun bag, or decorated pillowcase you are free to get creative!
How to Participate
Gather your friends and family members for a couple of hours to create your go-kits. Suggest that everyone brings some donated items to contribute to the go-kits. Assemble your kits and be sure to pack everything into something that can easily be carried. Contact a local foster agency near you to inquire about their donation requirements/requests and set up a date to deliver your go-kits.
Orange County Foster Agencies
- ABC Foster Family Agency
- Beta Foster Care
- Orangewood Foundation
- Crittenton Foster Care and Foster Family Agency
- Koinonia Family Services
Reflection Question
Why is it important to support children in the foster care system?