Imagine being given a trash bag and 10 minutes to pack your possessions. This is the sad reality for many foster children when they are removed from their homes. This project will provide basic needs, like blankets and clothes, to children in foster care.
There are currently over 1,000 children in the foster care system within the state of Wisconsin. While foster families may receive a small stipend to care for foster children, it is simply not enough. Affording school supplies, birthday presents, or even developmental toys (a bicycle!) is an expense foster families can not bear.
Jake's Diapers has partnered with major retailers to buy basic needs in bulk (by the pallet or semi-truck). This means extremely steep discounts wherein a $20 donation can provide $100 in retail value of basic needs to children in need. Bulk lots of items are received at Jake's Diapers, then sorted and lovingly packed by volunteers to distribute to foster children in need through Jake's Diapers network of community partners.
As children in foster care have their basic needs met, their quality of life increases. Having an ample supply of appropriately sized clothes, or even receiving a special birthday gift can instill hope and joy; despite the life circumstances that have brought these children into foster care.