Foster kids in our area need your help

Over 600 foster children in our community need your help.

Christmas of Hope is a program that allows our community to come alongside and support foster families in our area by helping to provide gifts for the children in their care. While one of the goals of Christmas of Hope is to support these families by easing the financial burden that often comes at this time of year, the primary mission is to show these children and families that they are loved and supported by their community.

Newstalk KZRG Program Director Peter Thiele said, “Children in foster care are our treasures and need to know that they are loved.”

There are over 600 children in foster care in our community and surrounding area. Our goal is to raise $50 per child to spend on Christmas gifts and to support as many children as possible. Each year, we provide donors with a commemorative, custom Christmas of Hope ornament for each child sponsored. But, time is limited.

The Christmas of Hope shopping event is another great way for individuals, groups, or families to get involved. This year’s shopping day will be held at the 15th Street Walmart in Joplin on Wednesday, December 13th at 9:00 am.

When you arrive to volunteer, you will check-in and be given a wish list for one child and will be asked to collect/shop for items for that child. You can come and go as your schedule allows. Shopping will continue until all the presents are purchased, which usually is around noon to 1 pm.

Gifts will be distributed to each family in time for them to be put under the tree by Christmas morning.