Safe Children Coalition collecting gift baskets for foster families

In advance of National Foster Care Month in May, child welfare agency Safe Children Coalition (SCC) is encouraging the community to show foster families their deep appreciation for caring for children in crisis. The organization is collecting gift baskets and gift cards to present to foster families in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties) during Foster Parent Appreciation month in May.

Gift baskets might cover themes including: movie night, with a Netflix gift card and snacks, or a restaurant gift card and movie theater tickets; game night, with board games and snacks; date night, with movie and/or restaurant gift cards, meal delivery service, or tickets to a local attraction; gardening supplies such as tools, plant nursery gift cards, and flower or vegetable seeds; or a theme of the donor’s choosing. Community members can also organize gift card drives for spa services, restaurants, recreational outings, groceries, gas, or other services and resources.

Commitments are needed by March 31; community members can indicate their participation by filling out a simple form at sccfl.org/foster-parent-appreciation. Once the commitment has been made and the chosen items purchased, gift baskets can be dropped off at SCC’s office between April 1-15. For further information, help in completing the form, or to schedule the drop-off of items, email scoachman@sccfl.org or call 941-315-3071 to speak with Resource Specialist Stephanie Coachman.

Additionally, to make a monetary donation, visit sccfl.org/donate. These donations support critical lifesaving programs and services for children and families.

“The community’s support, through the donation of a gift basket or gift cards, will help us to show these everyday heroes how much we appreciate them for the difference they make for children and families in our community,” said SCC president and CEO Brena Slater. “One caring foster household can make a lifelong positive impact on a child and their family. We are so grateful for our foster families – and hope others with room in their hearts and homes will consider looking into becoming new foster families.”

At any given time, more than 1,400 children in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties are not able to remain safely in their homes. Foster homes provide abused or neglected children with stability and a place to heal until they can safely return to their families. The agency is actively looking for those who might want to explore becoming foster parents.

The next virtual session for those interested in fostering children in Circuit 12 will begin on June 2, 2025. For more information, visit sccfl.org/foster-care; to inquire about becoming a foster parent, contact foster parent recruitment specialist Melissa Hueser at 941-334-2971 or mhueser@sccfl.org.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.