According to the latest federal data, there are more than 400,000 children in foster care across the U.S. Many of these children do not have the opportunity to experience Christmas to its fullest surrounded by family, friends, and presents.
That’s why it was important for our company to do our part by giving back to the communities where we live and work to support the foster care community.
At the end of 2021, we partnered with Bethany Christian Services to support their “Operation Christmas Joy” campaign in New Hampshire. We are excited to report that the program provided thousands of kids in the N.H. Foster Care System with gifts during the Christmas season!
Excited to Support Operation Christmas Joy
Operation Christmas Joy has been going on for several years now. The seeds that were planted before the pandemic have paid off during this current era of constant disruptions and isolation that can affect vulnerable children in the foster care system.
Feelings of disconnect can especially be difficult for children during the Christmas season. Instead of experiencing joy and excitement, these children often experience pain and sadness. No child should have to experience that during the most joyous season of the year celebrating the birth of Christ. Knowing this made it clear to our company that we should lean in and help.
In addition to helping purchase presents for children during Christmas, part of our company’s donation will be used in other ways to help recruit and retain foster care families and children. The funds will support summer picnics, ice cream socials, and other events that will allow foster care families and children throughout New Hampshire to connect.
“Every district throughout the state has an extreme shortage of foster families,” said Cindy Thomas of Bethany Christian Services in an interview with local WMUR TV. “When children come into care, there are not enough families to place the children in.”
“It was important for our company to help fill a critical gap during the Christmas season to support children that were disconnected from their families,” says Scott Lessard, VP of Life Science. “There are so many other children that need support across the U.S. We encourage you to consider how you can support foster care near you.”
– To learn more about supporting the foster care community in New Hampshire, visit Bethany.org.
– To get involved in the foster care system in your community, or to become a foster parent yourself, visit AdoptUSKids.org or search for foster care information in your local area.
