BOISE, ID — Idaho community leaders, in partnership with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, have launched the Second Annual Foster Care Christmas Fundraiser, a statewide effort aimed at supporting teens and young adults in foster care during the holiday season.
The fundraiser focuses on 311 Idaho youths ages 16 to 23 who are currently in foster care or who have aged out of the system without family support. Organizers say older foster youth are often overlooked during the holidays, as many seasonal programs primarily serve younger children.
The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise $66,000 by December to provide each eligible participant with a $200 Christmas gift card. In some cases, teens will also be invited to take part in an in-person shopping experience with volunteers to purchase winter clothing and essential personal items.
Several statewide organizations are supporting the fundraiser, including the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Professional Firefighters of Idaho Benevolent Fund, Back the Blue Sheriff’s Cup, Idaho House Republican Caucus, Astegos.org, Elite Property Management, and other community partners.
To help boost donations, a supporter has pledged a $25,000 matching challenge, doubling all contributions until the match is met.
Donations can be made online through PayPal, Venmo, or credit card at fostercarechristmas.com. Checks may also be mailed or picked up by arrangement. All donations are tax-deductible and processed through the Professional Firefighters of Idaho Benevolent Fund.
Organizers are encouraging media outlets across the state to help share the effort, noting that coverage last year significantly increased community participation and support for foster youth during the holidays.
Image credit: Courtesy of the Foster Care Christmas Fundraiser
