Donors help us make Christmas special for foster kids.

It’s such an inspiring time of the year here at HCJFS – we are always overwhelmed by the kindness of those who help us take care of kids in foster care.

We asked for help to provide a nice Christmas for our kids. And boy, did people respond.ToysinOfficeRed

Photographer Lisa Hezlep put out a Facebook challenge to her friends, offering free photography services to any who donated gift cards to us for our teenagers. Dena Cranley, the first lady of Cincinnati and the First Ladies for Health, also asked friends and to help us with gift cards. Georgia Frakes donated 25 dolls that resemble the diverse clients we serve.

Employees at Fifth Third Bank adopted dozens of our kids, fulfilling wish lists that included everything from Baby Alive to Kevin Durant shoes. Gifts also came from the Tai Chi Society, 4myBenefits Inc., American Modern Insurance Group and College Hill Presbyterian Church.

First Financial Bank workers bought gifts and the bank made a generous donation to help us give gift cards to the rest of our older kids.

Xerox donated money for us to be able to put on a holiday party for kids and their caregivers.

Uncle Bumpee’s Barber Shoppe in West Chester donated dozens of rolls of wrapping paper. The ProKids Young Professionals came to help us wrap and brought dozens of pairs of socks.

As she has for many years, The Bike Lady stepped up with 180 bikes for kids in foster care.

So at our holiday party next week, we’ll look around at the kids talking with Santa and opening their gifts and be so appreciative of having such tremendous support from this community.

by Ashley Woods

Filed Under: News