Toy Drive
Trying to clothe and feed a foster child is difficult for a foster family, not to mention the expense for toys.
"You're truly dealing with a segment of our community where there is a need," foster parent Janet Richardson said.
But there's a way you can help. The stores in the Englewood Shopping District in Independence are collecting toys for foster kids.
Russ Lawrence said he was a foster child and that's why he started Janey's Toy Drive three years ago in honor of his late mother who adopted him when he was 10.
"It's when you go back to school and all your friends are talking about what they had for Christmas and you didn't get anything," Lawrence said. "And as a foster child I've been there and it's the worst feeling."
"The kids want to go to school and know they're receiving something similar to the other children in their class," Richardson said.
For Richardson, it's the lesson of giving she passes on to her all her children. For eight-year-old Haley, a former foster child, she said that's the true meaning of Christmas.
"Giving the presents and seeing how the people react to all the presents that they get," Haley said.
Janey's Toy Drive benefits the Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Agency, but they're still in need of toys. if you'd like to donate, you can find more information on the Janey's Toy Drive website.
Heather Claybrook, FOX 4 News
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