The Woodland Co-op Preschool, a nonprofit program teaching 75 children, is partnering with the Washington Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) to provide comfort and essentials to children in foster care through its new “foster boxes” program.
The program is serving as Woodland Co-op’s yearly community service effort. During the latest effort, families volunteering at the preschool, along with their children, are guided on what items to donate, including hygiene essentials and personal items. These donations are sent to DCYF’s Region 6, which encompasses Clark, Cowlitz and nine other counties. As of October 2024, the region included approximately 1,200 youth in out-of-home care.
Leslie Lawley, a teacher at Woodland Co-op Preschool, highlighted the emotional significance of the initiative. She explained that entering the foster system can be a deeply traumatic experience for children, but having personal items to call their own can provide a sense of comfort and stability.
“Being able to receive something and be told, ‘This is yours. This is only yours,’ is really important,” Lawley explained. “It gives them a little sense of comfort during something I can only imagine as an adult. For a child going through something like being placed with another family, or being separated from siblings or parents, even the smallest items can make them feel a little safer during the transition.”
Children at the preschool, ages 3 to 5, are actively involved in the program. Through activities such as music, storytelling and helping to fill the boxes, they are learning important lessons about empathy and kindness. Lawley noted that the foster boxes offer a valuable opportunity for young students to understand that other children like them are living in challenging situations and that showing empathy and kindness can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
“We’re trying to teach the kids in school about empathy and gratitude and, how it feels good to give back to others. It should make you feel good inside and then knowing that you’re making someone else feel special,” Lawley said.
Britany Brett, placement coordinator for DCYF’s Region 6, praised the preschool’s initiative, noting the 45 boxes have been distributed so far. The foster boxes program will continue until Jan 31, though both Brett and Lawley expressed interest in continuing the effort.
“We’re really grateful to the Woodland Co-op. This has been a huge gift to our kiddos, and it was, it was really successful, and we enjoyed working with them on this, and I’m looking forward to continuing that partnership,” Brett said.
To guide people, Lawley provided a list of recommended items to donate.
• Hygiene essentials: Toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, deodorant
What to avoid:
• Sharp objects: Nail clippers, scissors, shaving razors or pocket knives
• Non-neutral items: Personal notes, invitations to private events like church gatherings or items tied to specific holidays such as Christmas or birthdays
• Medicines or supplements such as vitamins, Tylenol or other over-the-counter medications
• Overly specific items such as things tailored to specific religious or cultural practices that may not appeal universally.
Donations are still being accepted at 600 Bozarth Ave., Woodland. 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. Lawley recommends donors call the front office at 360-225-1113 to schedule a drop-off.
