PALMER TWP., Pa. – May is “National Foster Care Month”.
A non-profit organization with chapters across the region, is honoring the resilience of children and the dedication of foster families.
Hanger by hanger, Lorisa Pineda adds more shirts and pants to racks.
“They deserve what anybody else deserves,” said Pineda.
The clothes are for children.
“From infant to teens,” Pineda said.
All experiencing foster care, “including kinship care, aging out youth, teenagers and also, families that are on a plan of safety,” said Pineda.
It’s thanks to non-profit organization Fostering Hope, that provides essential resources, support and a shoulder to lean on.
“It fills your heart,” said Pineda.
The group has a dozen chapters across the region, including one nestled in Palmer Moravian Church in Northampton County.
Once donations are dropped off in the church lobby, they’ll make their way down to the “Foster Share Closet”.
“Everything in here is a donation,” said Pineda.
Pineda, who serves as the Fostering Hope Northampton Chapter Coordinator, said everyone in the organization is a volunteer.
“We will have requests from Child Protective Services (CPS) case workers, existing foster families that know of us, different agencies that will reach out,” said Pineda. “They can come and shop for their children.”
As we enter into “National Foster Care Month”, Pineda said there is certainly a need for summer clothes and shoes, but the organization also collects toiletries, hair and skin care products, stuffed animals, and more.
“They deserve to be surrounded by a community and families that see them and understand them,” said Pineda.
Donations can be dropped off to Palmer Moravian Church on John Street in Palmer Township weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“It’s not a simple gap to fill, but we do our best,” Pineda said.