Make a Positive Impact As A Personal Shopper: Holiday Shopping for Foster Kids

The holidays can be challenging for foster children. Many kids in the foster care system face unique obstacles when it comes to mental health. They struggle with low self-esteem, have limited access to essential items like new clothing, toys, school supplies, and hygiene products. But with the right support, foster youth can thrive and feel empowered. Having things like well-fitting clothing can make an incredible impact on their lives. Every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and confident. Holiday shopping for foster kids can be life-changing, and you can be a part of making a real difference for every child and helping them feel valued when you join a personalized shopping experience at one of our upcoming Shopping Sprees!

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem with Clothes

Clothing plays a bigger role in a child’s well-being than most people realize. New clothes can significantly improve mental health, confidence, and self-esteem. When a child gets to pick clothing that reflects who they are, it helps restore a sense of identity — something many lose while navigating the uncertainties of foster care.

Many foster youth struggle with low self-esteem because of the instability they face: frequent moves, separation from siblings, and a loss of control over daily decisions. Clothing becomes one of the few areas where they can express themselves, but access is often limited.

Some children live in group homes where funding for personal items is minimal, while others rely on overstretched systems where resources like school supplies or free clothing programs can’t always meet their needs. Many foster children may have foster parents doing their best, but families are unable to always provide new items in the styles the kids want.

And even when basic needs are met, every child deserves the chance to feel special. After everything they go through, being able to walk into a store and choose something new that belongs to them is its own form of healing.

Every child, regardless of their situation, deserves the dignity of choice and the joy of feeling seen. 

What We Do at Shopping Sprees

During our Shopping Sprees, we pair volunteers with kids for one-on-one shopping sessions and help them select the items they love — including shoes, dresses, pants, shirts, jackets, and more. Volunteers walk alongside each child, guiding them but never making choices for them. The experience is designed to give foster youth a rare opportunity to explore personal style and develop a sense of self that often gets overshadowed by the label of being “a foster kid.”

When a child picks something they feel confident in, you can see the transformation immediately: shoulders rise, smiles appear, and they begin to see themselves the way they deserve — capable, valued, and important.

We’re already on our way with Shopping Sprees this year, but the holiday season is our busiest time. We need help more than ever.

SEE UPCOMING VOLUNTEER DATES

You can get involved by signing up as a volunteer who sponsors a child’s shopping trip and joins them as their personal shopper. You can also support by fundraising, encouraging others to donate, or by sponsoring a shopping trip yourself. Every effort ensures every child in care has access to new clothing, and most of all, hope.

SET UP A FUNDRAISER ON OUR PLATFORM

How Do Fundraisers Work?

Launching a Foster Love fundraiser is an easy way to support foster youth through programs like Disney Days, sibling reunification, and other support.

Step 1: Create an Account
Sign up at https://my.fosterlove.com/fundraisers/create to get your personalized fundraising dashboard.

Step 2: Pick Your Fundraiser
Select the programs you want to support and personalize your campaign with a name, story, and image.

Step 3: Set a Goal
Choose a fundraising goal. Every donation, big or small, helps provide essentials for foster youth.

Step 4: Share Your Campaign
Post your fundraiser on social media, email, or text to encourage friends, family, and coworkers to support.

Tips for Success

• Share a personal story to connect supporters to the cause.
• Highlight the impact of donations, like free clothing or care items.
• Celebrate milestones to keep momentum going.

Your fundraiser helps foster kids nationwide feel supported, cared for, and seen.

Launch your Foster Love fundraiser today!

Creating a Positive Environment for Foster Children

Beyond the clothing itself, the environment we create matters deeply. A safe, supportive, and encouraging atmosphere helps foster children feel valued — something many haven’t felt consistently. When foster youth shop with someone who listens to them, respects their voice, and celebrates their choices, it reinforces their sense of worth.

This kind of security is vital for healthy development. Feeling safe allows kids to express themselves, try new things, and begin to heal emotionally. It strengthens resilience, boosts mental health, and gives them room to grow into who they are meant to be. A positive environment doesn’t just make them feel good for a day — it shapes their long-term ability to thrive.

Come Be a Part of Holiday Shopping for Foster Kids

Foster youth deserve a community that shows up for them, one that helps rebuild confidence and identity through meaningful experiences like shopping sprees. Your support makes these moments possible — moments that uplift a child’s spirit and remind them they matter.

Join us in creating these powerful experiences. Support a shopping spree today and help give foster children the confidence, joy, and dignity they deserve.