In Franklin County there are 350-400 children ages birth through age 18 in the foster care system at any given time, usually due to a history of abuse, neglect or trauma. Usually, these children transition into their new home in the midst of a crisis. Families who volunteer to be foster or kinship parents often have little advance notice of the child’s impending arrival. They may find themselves in immediate need of essentials for the child such as clothing, furniture and baby equipment.
Franklin County Foster Closet’s mission is to meet the immediate and ongoing clothing and essential supply needs for children in foster care. As a 501c3 organization, we collect new and gently used children’s goods for foster families. We make the process of outfitting a home for a child simple, convenient and cost-free. We do this because we do not want any family to say no to a child simply because they do not have the supplies needed to care for them. We also want foster families and children to feel supported by the entire community as they navigate what is a very challenging and stressful time.
