By Kidsave Staff | Development Coordinator
November marks the start of the “holiday season” for many of us, but it’s not always a season of joy for older kids in foster care. Each year, Kidsave and our volunteers do what we can to create fun events for the kids and give them a taste of life as a family. In what has become a yearly tradition, a Kidsave family graciously opened their home for a Thanksgiving dinner. They hosted us again this year and added a new feature: cookie decorating!
Speaking with Natalia, one of the event hosts, we learned more about why she and her family feel supporting Kidsave is so important.
“Kidsave has a transformative power; they brighten up everyone’s lives,” said Natalia. “At one of our previous Thanksgiving dinners, one of the kids found his future family here!” We’re grateful to Natalia and her family for helping us create a fun environment where life-changing connections can happen.
Before dinner, kids and families mingled and ordered mocktails crafted by expert mixologists. Fizzy drinks made of persimmon and cranberry floated around the room as everyone chatted. Every dish associated with a traditional American Thanksgiving was present and we all sat together at long tables to discuss all that we’re thankful for. And after dinner, each kid and family decorated cookies together which was the perfect sweet treat to end the day.
In December, we held our annual Winterfest event at Servicon in Culver City!
The venue was decorated to celebrate the holiday season and inspire people to feel festive. Everywhere the kids turned, they saw glittery decorations, pine trees, and stockings, and everyone enjoyed hot cocoa and cider. As the kids arrived, they were in awe of all the beautiful decorations and scenery.
We had a true feast prepared: BBQ chicken, ribs, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mac & cheese for the hungry attendees. Everyone filled their plates and sat down to enjoy their meals together.
After lunch, the kids were energized and ready to jump into the fun activities planned. We had stations set up throughout the venue where kids and families could bond while decorating cookies, making hot cocoa, playing Pictionary, and much more!
Before the event ended, we had one more special surprise in store. We were very fortunate to have a Trustee Board Member purchase and prepare personalized gifts for the kids from each of their holiday wish lists! The Kidsave board member and her awesome team went right to work, buying and wrapping gifts they knew the kids would love. It was evident by the kids’ glowing faces; that this would be a holiday they would remember fondly for years to come.
We’re grateful for another year of helping older kids in foster care find forever families and for all of you who help us continue our mission!
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