Woodland Co-op Preschool is joining forces with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) to support children entering foster care by creating boxes filled with essential and comforting items.
Entering foster care is traumatic for many children, who often arrive with few belongings. Woodland Co-op Preschool and DCYF are aiming to ease this transition by providing practical necessities and emotional comfort items in each box, a press release by Woodland Co-op Preschool stated.
“For Woodland Co-op Preschool, this project is about more than just providing supplies. It’s also an opportunity to teach preschoolers the value of kindness and giving. Through age-appropriate conversations and activities, the school helps children understand the importance of helping others,” the press release stated.
The boxes are a community-driven effort, with Woodland Co-op Preschool families and staff donating items and assembling boxes. The DCYF then ensures that boxes are distributed to children who need them most, the release stated.
“Together, we can make a difference in the lives of foster children, providing them with comfort and dignity as they navigate new chapters in their lives,” the press release stated.
The community is invited to further contribute to the boxes, with the preschool serving as a collection hub. Donations of hygiene products, backpacks, blankets and toys are welcome, the press release stated. Woodland Co-op Preschool is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.