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How You Can Help a Child or Teen in Need During the Holidays

help children during the holidays

For over 7,200 West Virginian children in foster care, enjoying holiday traditions with family may not be possible, and making plans for the future may be difficult. Children who find themselves in foster care have often been removed from their parents because they have experienced abuse or neglect and it is unsafe to remain in their homes. Their families are going through a crisis, and foster care is a safe place that gives each child and their family an opportunity to resolve conflicts or disruptions. It also offers families an opportunity to learn healthy skills so they can safely reunite. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicates the current holiday season. Continue reading to learn more about how you can help children during the holidays!

It takes help from caring and supportive people and communities to strengthen families and build resilience in children and adults who have experienced trauma. You can give the gift of family to a child or teen in foster care during the holidays and throughout the year in several different ways:

Foster a Child or Teen 

help children during the holidaysPerhaps the most profound way you can make a difference is to open your heart and home to a child or teen in foster care. Foster parents provide a safe and caring environment and help ensure that every child receives the education, medical care and support they need to thrive. They also play an important role in helping children recover from the trauma and/or neglect they have experienced. More foster parents are needed in every West Virginia community so that children can remain close to what is familiar, especially their families and schools.

Download our free guide to find out if foster parenting if right for you!

Volunteer Your Time and Talents 

We’re always looking for volunteers to help us with events and other projects throughout the year. If you have a talent that you would like to share with KVC to support children and teens in foster care, contact your local KVC office to see how you can help.

We also invite you to get involved in our annual Holiday Heroes program, which gives you the opportunity to shop for gifts for youth in foster care. This year, we have several contact-free options, including shopping off our Amazon wish lists and donating money via our online donation form. Becoming a Holiday Hero is an easy way to help children during the holidays and make sure they feel loved and appreciated.

Make a Donation

There are several different ways you can donate to KVC and show a child or teen that they matter: sign up for our Everyday Hero monthly giving program, donate school supplies or holiday gifts, or make a monetary donation. No matter what you give, your gift makes a difference.

Educate Others 

Like we said, there are over 7,200 West Virginian children in foster care, and you can be an advocate for them by raising awareness and educating others. KVC publishes new content frequently on our website and social media pages. Subscribe to this blog and follow us on Facebook and share our posts to stay informed and involved!

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