Safe Children Coalition Collecting Gift Baskets for Foster Families

February 28, 2024 – Sarasota

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 in early May.

Gift baskets might cover themes including: 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 and/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 gift card drives for spa services, restaurants, recreational outings, groceries, gas, or other services or resources.

Commitments are needed by March 15; community members can indicate their participation by filling out a simple form at sccfl.org/foster-parent-appreciation. Gift baskets can be dropped off at an SCC office between April 1-12. For further information or help in completing the form, email laldridge@sccfl.org or call 941-504-7420 to speak with program assistant, LeAnn Aldridge.

Additionally, to make a monetary donation, visit sccfl.org/donate. These 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 for children and families in our community,” said SCC president and CEO Brena Slater. “One caring foster household can make a lifelong positive impact on 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.”

Nearly 1,600 children were in foster care in Circuit 12 last year. Foster homes provide abused or neglected children with stability and a place to heal until they can safely return to their parent(s). The agency is actively looking for those who might want to explore becoming foster parents.

The next information session for those interested in fostering children in Circuit 12 will take place March 13. For more information, visit sccfl.org/foster; to inquire about becoming a foster parent, contact foster parent recruitment specialist Melissa Hueser at 941-334-2971 or mhueser@sccfl.org.