FOSTER KIDS CHARITY

SERVES: Children in the state foster care system

Since witnessing a tragic car accident in June 2008 that claimed the lives of three foster children, Preston Hollow resident Michelle Armour has dedicated her life to supporting other children shuffled around from home to home. “When they come in and take the kids, they give them a trash bag and say, ‘You have 15 minutes to grab your stuff.’ They might grab their pajamas, some shoes, maybe a toothbrush and a toy. We come in to fill the cracks.” Armour’s nonprofit, Foster Kids Charity, collects essential items for care packages to help ease the constant transitions the children face. Since launching in 2011, the organization has received the Best Community Partner award from Child Protective Services and a private donation for a larger office. With the added exposure comes a greater need for help. “We always need more funds to provide more,” Armour says. “The demand is higher than what we can offer.”

VOLUNTEER: Assemble care packages for foster children during a monthly meet-up at the Foster Kids Charity headquarters.

ATTEND: The nonprofit’s annual Gift of Love holiday party is 10 a.m.1 p.m. Dec. 20 at Grace Church in Richardson. The event provides presents and entertainment for 166 local foster children, who don’t receive gifts every year.

GIVE: One dollar provides a healthy snack bag for one foster child through the organization’s new Food 4 Foster program, serving 500-

1,000 abused and neglected children who are in the care of Child Protective Services each month.

The ongoing wish list includes snack foods and juice boxes, size 4-6 diapers, wipes, new coats and jackets for ages 7-15, new car seats, and toiletries for teens — all of which can be dropped off at the Foster Kids Charity headquarters.

CONTACT: Michelle Armour

9221 LBJ Freeway, Suite 110 469.248.2786 fosterkidscharity.org