Community Won’t Let COVID-19 Ruin Halloween for Foster Children
30th of October 2020
As if this year wasn’t scary enough, many children will not be trick-or-treating this Halloween due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, our donors won’t let the spooky season go uncelebrated for hundreds of foster children who will be receiving treat bags filled with goodies this Halloween in lieu of social gatherings.
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, studies show that “foster youth often have difficulty participating in everyday activities” and therefore encourages social work agencies and resource families to provide as much age-appropriate activities and experiences as possible. This is why the Children’s Foundation of America (CFA) works closely with the community to provide such opportunities. We recognize the importance of the chance to feel like a “normal” kid, particularly during a pandemic that has further restricted access to everyday activities.
To help accomplish this project, Image Source provided large bags of candy, Sysco donated cases of individually packed sleeves of Oreos, CFA volunteer Paula Leal donated toothbrushes, volunteers made ghoulish cards, and CFA board member Carla Kingsbury provided spider rings and festive bags to hold the treats.
Our Volunteer Coordinator, Briana Calderon, held multiple virtual volunteer activities to create handmade Halloween cards for each foster youth. Briana said, “It was wonderful to see all the creative cards that all of our volunteers made for the youth. Our volunteers really took the time to create some individualized cards.”
In addition, CFA supporter Jacqueline Legazcue, held a “Community Crafternoon” on Zoom with the focus being our card-making initiative, donating several more cards to the cause. “Thank you for holding this activity for us to help the kids,” said participant Clare Miranda.
In total, over 20 volunteers and community partners helped make this project a success! If you’d like to Be the Difference for children in need, call our office at 800.KIDS.730 or email bcalderon@trinityys.org to volunteer. The holidays are coming up and we could use your help! Visit our volunteer page to sign up now!
Jenelle Phillips, Director of Development
Jenelle oversees the day-to-day operations and staffing of the Foundation, which includes event planning, volunteer coordination, community outreach, marketing and donor relations. Above all, Jenelle’s focus is to identify and access resources in order to help children heal, learn and thrive. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University Fullerton and is very involved in the community. She is active in her church and owns an art gallery. Her volunteer contributions to the community have been recognized by Senator Portantino, Assemblymember Holden and the Claremont Village Marketing Group.