Making Holidays Brighter for Foster Children

It can be hard to be a foster child, especially during the holidays. Volunteers from Hideaway Beach stepped in to make the season a bit brighter for these deserving children. Partnering with the ‘Fostering Success’ program, 14 Hideaway volunteers travelled to Target to help local foster children pick out gifts for their families,friends, and teachers. “I know just what I want to get my teacher, said one five-year-old as she reached for a sparkling pair of earrings.  

“This was fun for the kids but even more rewarding for us. All of the volunteers havesigned up for next year already!’ said Nancy Hilem, Hideaway resident. ‘To play even a small part in making these kids’lives a little happier is a privilege,” added Judy Bennett, another Hideaway volunteer. 

‘Fostering Success’ is a 501(c)(3) charity that serves foster children with educational and enrichment support while they are going through the foster care system. The organization currently receives no government support. It offers such programs as “Ready for Kindergarten,” academic mentoring, scholarships, afterschool programs, emergency backpacks, summer camps, and sports and music activities. Annually, ‘Fostering Success’ helps over 750 children and fulfills over 2,300 requests in Collier County.