The Village gets the call. A child needs a home, tonight!
For foster parents, that call can come at any time, often with very little information. Age, gender, maybe a name. Sometimes a trash bag of clothes. Often nothing at all.
And just like that, someone opens their door. Their home. Their heart.
But love alone doesn’t pack a suitcase. And that’s where The Village steps in.
The First 48 Hours: Chaos Meets Compassion
There’s no manual for the first 48 hours after a child enters foster care. It’s a swirl of emotions, for everyone involved.
For the child? Confusion. Loss. Fear. They might’ve left everything familiar behind, home, clothes, siblings, routines.
For foster parents? A scramble. Is there a bed ready? Are there clothes that fit? What about toiletries? Formula? Pajamas?
The first two days are critical. That’s when the child begins forming new attachments. When they decide if this new space feels safe. Familiar. Like home.
And that’s why access to resources like The Village Foster Closet is so essential.
The Village NJ: Fast Help, No Red Tape
Here’s how it usually works:
A foster parent gets that call, says “yes,” and then contacts The Village NJ. Within hours, volunteers jump into action, pulling clothing in the right sizes, packing hygiene kits, sorting baby gear or age-appropriate toys. In some cases, they’re even delivering the supplies the same day.
No long forms. No waiting lists. Just community, showing up.
We’re talking about real support, right here in Village Monmouth County and Village Ocean County. That local presence means a child doesn’t have to sleep in oversized hand-me-downs or go without essentials on their first night. It’s dignity. On demand.
Foster Closet New Jersey: What’s Actually Needed?
Let’s break it down. Here’s what families need in the first 48 hours and what Foster Closet New Jersey helps provide:
- Clothing that fits (not just for school, but for sleep, play and weather)
- Shoes (because kids often arrive with none or ones that don’t fit)
- Baby essentials (diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, car seats)
- Gift cards for teens, who often want to pick their own items
- Underwear and socks (always brand new)
- Backpacks, comfort items, nightlights
- Toiletries (full-sized, age-appropriate)
And it’s not just “stuff.” It’s choice.
At The Village foster closet, kids shop like they would at a store. No pressure. No pity. Just personal picks. That autonomy can make a massive difference in building confidence during a scary time.
The Ripple Effect of Readiness
Here’s what most people don’t talk about:
When a foster family has the right supplies, they’re more likely to say “yes” again in the future. They feel supported. Equipped. Like part of a community. Not like they’re doing this alone.
And that matters, because according to 2023 data, the average foster child in New Jersey changes homes two to three times. Every move adds trauma. Every “no” from a burned-out foster parent creates another delay in a child’s stability.
So when The Village steps in to ease the transition, it doesn’t just help one child, it strengthens the entire foster care network.
True Story: From Panic to Peace
One mom in Ocean County told us: “We said yes to a three-year-old with 90 minutes’ notice. No car seat. No clothes. Not even a toothbrush. I cried when I walked into The Village. They handed me a ready-to-go bag, toys, even a little stuffed bunny. I didn’t feel alone anymore.”
These are the moments your support creates. Every donation. Every volunteer hour. Every share on social media. It all adds up to real help, when it matters most.
1- How many children are in foster care?
Globally, millions of children are in foster care, but numbers vary by country. In the U.S. alone, it’s over 390,000.
2- How many children are in foster care in the U.S.?
As of recent federal data, approximately 391,000 children are in foster care across the United States.
3- Do foster parents claim foster children on taxes?
Foster parents may claim foster children as dependents if the child was placed by a licensed agency and lived with them for more than half the year. Always consult a tax advisor.
4- How many children in foster care in the U.S.?
Roughly 391,000 children are currently in the U.S. foster care system, with thousands entering and exiting care each year.
How You Can Make an Impact
Want to be part of someone’s “first 48”? Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
- Donate new or gently used clothing in current styles and good condition
- Volunteer your time to help sort, organize and prep care packages
- Give gift cards for Target, Amazon, Walmart, especially for teens
- Host a drive at your school, office or place of worship
Because while foster care might not touch every family, it does take every family to care for a child in crisis.
That’s why The Village exists. And that’s why we’ll keep showing up, together.
