According to the most recent U.S. government report, there are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. With the holidays right around the corner and in honor of National Adoption Month, Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson is partnering with Caring Hearts for Children and organizing a donation drive for local foster children. The nonprofit’s philosophy of care is child-centered, and the goal of the organization is to become the child-placing agency of choice. The list of needed items includes toys, pajamas, coats and jackets, and any kind of clothing for children between the ages of newborn to 18 years old. The items can be dropped off Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson (1155 NW John Jones Dr.) inside House A. The donation drive will go until December 12. In addition to the donations, the residents of Mustang Creek Estates are writing letters of appreciation to the foster parents.
“We are thankful for Mustang Creek Estates and their willingness to help children who are currently in foster care,” said Brent Hagood, executive director of Caring Hearts for Children. “The holiday season can be difficult not only for the children but also for the foster parents. Every year, we give the families gifts during an annual holiday event, and the donations will be an amazing addition to those gifts. We appreciate the team and residents at the senior living community and anyone who decides to spread the joy this year by donating to our children.”
On average, there are about 90 foster children and 75 foster families in the Caring Hearts for Children Fort Worth area network, with over 40 boys and nearly 40 girls. The organization offers child placement, assessment, transitional living and adoption services. Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson realizes the importance of giving back not only during the holidays, but throughout the year. The senior living community regularly organizes donation drives for local schools, animal shelters and other organizations.
“We knew there are a lot of children in the local area who are in foster care, but when we learned the numbers it was still shocking,“ said Melissa Meyer, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson. “We want the team at Caring Hearts for Children to know that we value what they do for the families and the donation drive is the least we can do to show our support. We encourage the local community to join us and donate to those in need this holiday season. Every donation makes a difference.”