Safe Children Coalition Collecting Gift Baskets for Foster Families

March 17, 2023—In observance of National Foster Care Month, SCC will show appreciation through gift basket collection and distribution for foster families in Florida’s Circuit 12

SARASOTA/MANATEE, FL – In advance of National Foster Care Month in May, child welfare agency Safe Children Coalition (SCC) is encouraging the community to show foster families their deep appreciation for caring for children in crisis. The organization is collecting gift baskets and gift cards to present to foster families in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties) during a Foster Parent Appreciation event on May 6.

Gift baskets might include items for a movie night, with a Netflix gift card and snacks, or a restaurant gift card and movie theater tickets; game night, with board games and snacks; date night, with movie or restaurant gift cards, meal delivery service, or tickets to a local attraction; gardening supplies such as tools, plant nursery gift cards, and flower or vegetable seeds; or a theme of the donor’s choosing. Community members can also organize a gift card drive, with spa services, restaurants, recreational outings, groceries, and gas, among other ideas. 

Community members can commit to participate by filling out a simple form at sccrl.org/foster-parent-appreciation. Gift baskets can be dropped off at an SCC office between April 3-14. For help in completing the form, email nfrey@sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799 ext. 183 to speak with community resource specialist, Nicole Frey.

Additionally, to make a monetary donation, visit sccfl.org/donate. Monetary donations support critical lifesaving programs and services for children and families.

“The community’s support through the donation of a gift basket or gift cards will help us to show these everyday heroes how much we appreciate them for the difference they make in our community,” said SCC president and CEO Brena Slater. “One caring foster household can really impact the life of a child and their family. We are so grateful for our foster families – and hope others with room in their hearts and homes will consider looking into becoming new foster families.”

At any given time, there are well over 1,000 children in Circuit 12 who are not able to safely remain in their homes. Foster homes provide abused or neglected children with stability and a place to heal until they can safely return to their parent(s).

The next information session for those interested in fostering children in Circuit 12 will take place on March 22. For more information, visit sccfl.org/foster; to inquire about becoming a foster parent, contact foster parent recruitment specialist Jeremy Gorzynski at 941-404-0079 or jgorzynski@sccfl.org.

PHOTO ID: Safe Children Coalition team members Christie Michaels (left) and Nicole Frey with a Foster Parent Appreciation gift basket

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc.  (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.