Safe Children Coalition distributes gift baskets for foster families

In advance of National Foster Care Month in May, child welfare agency Safe Children Coalition (SCC) collected scores of themed gift baskets and gift cards to show foster families their deep appreciation for caring for children in crisis. The organization distributed these gifts to foster families in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties) during a festive Foster Parent Appreciation event in early May.

Gift baskets covered themes including movie night, beach date night, game night, a spa/relaxation experience and items, and a Disney Animal Kingdom Villa getaway, among others. All told, approximately 70 baskets were collected and distributed by Safe Children Coalition to area foster families.

“The community’s support, through the donation of gift baskets and gift cards, has helped 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. “We are so grateful to all of the generous individuals and companies that participated in our Foster Parent Appreciation effort this year and want them to know the immense joy it brought to the families who received the baskets earlier this month.”

As it has for some years now, Universal North America participated generously in the Foster Parent Appreciation effort. Seven departments at Universal “competed” to collect beautifully-wrapped and intricate themed baskets. Systems Team K was the big winner, with the Disney Animal Kingdom Villa getaway basket, which included a deluxe villa (with a view of the Savannah and animals), complimentary admission to any Disney water park, animal-themed headbands, stainless tumblers, and Visa gift cards totaling $400.

During the 20 years Universal North America has been in operation, employees have been offered a variety of programs to give back to the communities in which it does business. Over the years, employees have volunteered their services and hosted food drives, fundraisers, charity walks and more.

"As a provider of homeowners insurance, it is in our DNA to assist people during their most challenging times," said the company in a statement. "Supporting Safe Children Coalition’s child welfare/foster care programs is especially valued, and the opportunity to recognize foster parents with the gift basket program is one of Universal’s favorite endeavors. Seven departments entered a themed basket to be judged; this fun, team-building activity was a big hit! Knowing that, as a company, we’ve aided people in need builds a sense of community and compassion in making a positive difference in the lives of others."

While the Foster Parent Appreciation gift basket drive is over, community members can make a monetary donation in support of the ongoing care and love provided by SCC’s programs and services by visiting sccfl.org/donate. These donations will support critical programs and services for children and 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 begins on June 2, 2025. For more information, visit sccfl.org/foster; 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 and youth, 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.