Upcoming Toy Drive to Help Foster Care Children and Their Families
by Jade Francis
The Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society at Cape Cod Community College (4C’s) is conducting a toy drive for foster children and their families this holiday season. Being swept away into a foreign home with an unfamiliar family is an overwhelming situation for any child to be put into. Likewise, many challenges come into account for foster families, especially when trying to provide their kids with a sense of belonging in such a harsh world.
When Phi Theta Kappa was brainstorming what community service projects to do during the fall semester, member Mary Dunaway had a breakthrough. She believed that helping local foster care organizations collect gifts around the holiday season would be a perfect fit for the 4C’s honors society.
“To me,” said Dunaway, “it's important to help the foster children because I want them to know that they aren't forgotten; I want them to know that the community loves them and wishes them the very best.” Dunaway grew up in a low-income household, as her mother was a single parent raising Dunaway and her three siblings. She understands firsthand what many children face around the holidays in a time of uncertainty. Picturing the giddy children unwrapping their gifts with joy filling their hearts is Dunaway's drive to help this project succeed.
During the holidays, stress levels go through the roof, especially in homes that may struggle financially. To help the Cape Cod community, Phi Theta Kappa paired with Cape Cod Foster Closet and Kind Hearts for Kids to hold toy drives.
Two dates will be provided for toy drop-offs. Thursday, November 8, there will be a drop off table available from 11:30 to 1:30, and again from 4:00 to 6:00. This will take place in Grossman Commons and is specifically for 4C’s students who wish to donate gifts. The second toy drive event, held in the Grossman Commons building again, will be public. From 10:00 to 4:00 anybody can stop by to drop off their gifts.
Cape Cod Foster Closet and Kind Hearts for Kids provided examples of valuable items to be gifted during this year’s toy drives. Additional toys may also be accepted. Notable necessities include fleece throw blankets, medium sized duffel bags, toys suitable for children ages two and up, Legos, and artificial Christmas trees. Visa gift cards and gift cards of $5 to $25 to stores such as Rue21, Old Navy, Target, Amazon, Dunkin Donuts, and Starbucks are also listed. Adding to that, $20 to $50 gift cards to Shoe Department Encore are recommended.
Courtney Spencer, another member of Phi Theta Kappa, is the mother of a toddler. Reading through a document of specific children’s gift requests given to Phi Theta Kappa from the local organizations, Spencer saw that a young boy was asking for the same book in which her own son loves. Seeing this left an incredible impact on Spencer. Needless to say, she signed up to grant that little boys wish with the book he desired. “While a seemingly little action,” Spencer said, “I believe that letting a child know that someone cares could be life changing.”
To check out more useful items these organizations need or how to get involved, visit https://capecodfostercloset.org/donate-for-foster-children/#immediate-need and https://kindhearts4kidsclub.wixsite.com/kindheartsforkids.
Photo by Samuel Holt on Unsplash
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