SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — An organization dedicated to helping foster families hit a milestone in advance of its biggest event of summer.
The Foster Network in Sioux Falls is busier than ever.
“As of June 30th of this year, we’ve surpassed 1,000 visits to The Closet,” Executive Director Holly Christensen said.
That’s more than triple the number of children served during the same time frame in 2023, and matches last year’s overall total. This week, the organization expects to add more than 300 kids to that number during Back to School Days.
“It is about meeting the needs of kids that are affected by the foster care system going back to school,” Christensen said.
The list of items includes everything on the Sioux Falls School District supply list, but the kids also get to pick a backpack, shoes, and clothes that fit their style.
“Even though we are serving more than one family at a time we try to keep the shopping experience individualized and meaningful to the kids to make them feel special,” Christensen said.
“My girls absolutely enjoyed being able to pick out their favorite book bag,” Sioux Falls foster parent Samantha Short said.
Samantha Short has five kids at home, including three fosters, and appreciates what the nonprofit does for foster families.
“Everybody has to have school supplies and everybody has to have new clothes, so to make things easier is always better,” Short said.
Back to School Days at The Closet is a one-stop shop, and eases the financial burden on foster families.
“I don’t work. My job is to take care of my kids, so the financial aspect is definitely a big help,” Short said.
It’s a giveaway that also allows kids to start the school year off on the right foot.
“We want them to feel confident and find something that makes them smile when they go back to school,” Christensen said.
Back to School Days continues Thursday and Saturday at The Foster Network, and there are a limited number of slots still available.
