Foster Care doesn’t pause with the seasons.
While most of us mark our calendars with holidays, vacations, and shopping sales, kids in foster care are simply trying to survive the transitions life throws at them. They don’t always get to plan ahead. And most of the time, when they arrive at a foster home, it’s sudden. Unexpected. Often with little more than a garbage bag or whatever they had on them that day.
That’s where The Foster Family Village steps in. And you can too.
If you’ve ever wondered what to donate and when, this blog is your cheat sheet. A practical, real-world guide to seasonal giving, for people who want to make a real impact, not just clean out their closets.
Why Seasonal Donations Matter
Let’s be real: kids in care grow fast. Their needs shift even faster. And foster families don’t always have time (or extra income) to prepare for those seasonal changes.
Whether it’s boots in January or pencils in August, the right items at the right time can make a huge difference in helping children in foster care feel normal. That’s the goal.
The Village Foster Closet works year-round to support families, but we also rely heavily on the community to fill the gaps. Not just any donations, the right ones.
Winter: Coats, Comfort & Cold-Weather Basics
Here’s the thing, when a child enters foster care in the winter, warmth becomes urgent. We’re talking:
- Waterproof boots
- Gloves, scarves, beanies
- New blankets and cozy socks
- Pajamas (fleece sets are gold)
- Thermal underwear (for all ages)
- Full-size lotions & lip balm for dry skin
- Heavy coats (think puffer, not pea coat)
Teen sizes always run low. And neutral styles matter, think trend-forward, not donation-bin leftovers. And don’t forget the holidays. December can feel isolating for children in foster care. A small gift card, stocking stuffer, or personalized hygiene kit can help remind them they’re not forgotten.
Spring: Reset & Refresh
Spring is when we clear out and reset but for foster families, it’s about adjusting to change. More outdoor time, new school routines, and sometimes new placements.
What to donate:
- Light jackets and raincoats
- Sneakers (gently used or new)
- Easter baskets or spring-themed activity packs
- Hygiene kits (especially deodorant and body wash for tweens/teens)
- Journals, sketch pads, and mindfulness items (for kids navigating trauma)
And hey, this is a great time to donate gift cards for activities like roller skating, mini golf, or movie theaters. Foster families are always looking for ways to help kids just be kids.
Summer: Sunshine & Camp Season
Summer sounds fun, right? But for many foster kids, it’s a season of instability. No school, shifting schedules, maybe even another placement.
Donations that help:
- Swimsuits (all sizes)
- Beach towels & water shoes
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Reusable water bottles
- Summer clothes: shorts, tank tops, light pajamas
- Outdoor toys (jump ropes, chalk, frisbees)
One big thing: summer camp supplies. The Village Foster Closet often supports kids attending day or overnight camps. That means backpacks, sleeping bags, flashlights, notebooks, you name it.
Fall: Back-to-School & Fresh Starts
Back-to-school is a stressful time for kids in stable homes. Now imagine entering a new school and a new home at the same time.
Here’s how to help:
- New socks & shoes
- Jackets for chilly mornings
- Lunchboxes & refillable water bottles
- School supplies (yes, even the fancy calculators)
- Backpacks (sturdy, not branded with last year’s trends)
- Hair care kits for Black and Brown children (these are so overlooked)
The foster family doesn’t always get a full school supply list before a child starts. When The Foster Family Village keeps stocked backpacks on hand, we’re ready to go.
Tips for Smart Giving (All Year)
- New > Used: Some items (like stuffed animals, underwear, socks, hygiene products) should always be new.
- Ask before donating: What’s helpful in October may not be in January. The Village regularly posts updated needs lists, check those!
- Teen sizes are critical: People love buying for babies. Teens? Not so much. But teens need dignity just as much as diapers.
- Gift cards are gold: Target, Walmart, Amazon, Visa gift cards allow foster families to act fast when needs arise.
- Seasonal Drives: Pay attention to donation drives happening in your area, especially in Village Monmouth County and Village Ocean County. They often focus on current needs and urgent requests.
Final Thought: Give with Intention
We get it, donating feels good. But when you give with intention, it does so much more than clear space in your closet.
It gives a foster child confidence on their first day at a new school. It gives a foster family relief when they don’t have to scramble for a size 6 raincoat. It gives everyone involved a sense that community still exists.
That’s what we’re building at The Village Foster Closet, a space where kids and families feel supported all year long, not just when it’s convenient.
