Foster kids need gifts, too


By Polly Keary, Editor
As you shop for your family for Christmas, Ben Franklin Craft Store in Monroe invites you to shop for kids with no family around them this season.
There are about 130 kids in foster homes throughout the Sky Valley, and Ben Franklin for the second year is holding a toy drive to make sure none of them do without.
"I really want the community to know how very generous and big-hearted the staff and customers of Ben Franklin truly are,GÇ¥ said Stephanie Hanson, herself a foster mother and the area Fostering Together recruiter and support person for foster care, adoption and relative placements.
The greatest gift you could give a foster kid, though, is to become a foster parent yourself. About 350 kids are in foster care county-wide and there is a shortage of homes in which to place them.
"I would love to speak with any individual wanting to learn more about what foster care looks like in our area,GÇ¥ said Hanson. "I would love to talk to any groups, clubs, churches or organizations about this topic, as well.GÇ¥
The most pressing need right now is for homes to become licensed to take in sibling sets, said Hanson. Volunteers and donations are needed too.
To learn more, visit fosteringtogether.org or email Stephanie-hanson@olivecrest.org.

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