It is in the middle of the night on August 6th, 2015, when Jennifer Gray's first foster care placement arrives at her doorstep. It is a baby boy-- three weeks old, underweight, and going through drug withdrawals. As the social worker delivers the infant, Jennifer is handed half a pack of diapers, two onesies that don't fit the child, a single bottle, and one nipple that is for a much older baby. Jennifer has no formula, no baby clothes, and no car seat. Her mind is racing. She just got her license to be a foster parent the day before and here she is now, cradling a small, neglected baby, who is wearing a dirty diaper and no clothes. Now what?
Jennifer Gray started her journey to become a foster parent in January of 2015. After completing twenty to thirty pages of paperwork and having numerous home visits, she began her training classes in July. On August 5th, she received a phone call letting her know that her license had been approved and she was an official foster parent.
She had no idea that the next night would be the first time she brought a foster child into her home. After taking in the small and sick baby boy, she searched for resources to help her. When the baby had been dropped off, it was too late to go to a store to buy supplies. Jennifer found herself wondering what that meant for foster parents everywhere. How could there be no support for foster children who were brought into a new home on such short notice?
When a child enters the foster care system, they usually come with little to no personal belongings. What they do have is often thrown into a trash bag and shuttled from placement to placement. When Jennifer discovered this sad fact firsthand, she decided then to become the resource for these children and their foster families. The idea for the Foster Care Clothing Closet was born.
It all started with a simple Facebook plea for donations for foster children. Working with her close friend, Joy McKnight, Jennifer soon had the community contributing to the cause. After they had collected the donations, they had to find a place to set up shop.
" God has shown in every aspect," explains Joy. Through different connections, the two determined women were able to set up the Foster Care Clothing Closet in a rent-free space. As women with big hearts and an even bigger faith in God, they saw this as encouragement to stay on track with the idea.
In just a year, the Foster Care Clothing Closet has helped 170 foster children and their foster families. The Closet carries everything from infant supplies to clothes for teenagers. They have provided for children in numerous counties, including Florence, Williamsburg, and Georgetown. They have distributed clothes, shoes, toys, books, equipment, and school supplies, and they want to do even more.
They are currently working to start up different programs for foster children in our state, including a mentorship program for teens, a scholarship fund, and even a program to help foster children following high school graduation.
While the work they do for children in our community is incredibly selfless and full of love, Joy explains that the feeling is sometimes bittersweet. She recalls the moment where she gave a seven year old boy his first pair of shoes.
"He didn't even know what they were," she says tearfully. "He didn't know what to do with them."
While the Foster Care Clothing Closet provides for children in state care, they continuously need donations of even the most basic necessities, such as shampoo, deodorant, and underwear. There is also a great need for jeans and body wash. Other items requested are diapers and duffel bags.
For those unable to donate material things, the Foster Care Clothing Closet welcomes volunteers. The Closet needs volunteers to sort intake, organize seasonal wear, and help hang clothes. A complete schedule for volunteer hours and upcoming events can be found on the Foster Care Clothing Closet's Facebook page.
With the holidays approaching, the Foster Care Clothing Closet will need volunteers to assist with the Closet's Christmas party. They will need people to wrap and hand out presents, as well as pick up food donated by different restaurants. They will also welcome donations of blankets, Christmas movies, and Christmas treats at this time.
I feel incredibly honored to have gotten the opportunity to speak with both of these inspirational women. Their love for children is evident and their trust in the Lord is something to strive for. I cannot wait to volunteer with them again to ensure the foster children in our state have everything they need to make this transition as easy as possible. I encourage everyone to do the same.
While we can't change the world for everyone, we can start by changing one life at a time. If it matters to one child, then it's worth it.
If you would like more information on how to help, volunteer, or donate, please contact Jennifer Gray or Joy McKnight on the Foster Care Clothing Closet's Facebook page.
