No child in foster care should feel forgotten. Here is what that looks like from January to December, and how to help with each.
01November to December 20
Each child's wish list, three wishes plus PJs, a hoodie, toiletries, a hat and gloves, is bought new, wrapped by volunteers and delivered in time for the holiday. In 2025 that was 1,514 foster children and youth.
The volunteer schedule begins in November and finishes December 20. Groups of 12 to 16 can reserve their own slot.
02April to June
Sponsors fill storage tubs with school supplies and independent-living essentials for foster youth heading to a dorm, trade school or a first apartment. In 2026 that was more than 50 graduates, and 2,421 since the program began.
Up to three scholarships a year come through the Angel Network, and the June Golf Classic pays for the program.
03All year, ages 13 to 23
Mentors are matched with youth in foster care for a one-year commitment: communicating once a week and meeting two to four times a month. Eight volunteer mentors have been trained in trauma-informed care.
Monthly life-skills workshops cover money, work, school and living on your own. When Raymond, 20 and aged out of care, needed a suit for a job interview, Theresa took him to Milano Tailors herself.
04Any day, within 24 hours
A child removed from home often leaves with nothing. Within 24 hours FOFK provides clothing, shoes, pajamas, hygiene items, and comforting essentials like blankets and stuffed animals.
Every child also gets a comfort baby: a small stuffed animal wrapped in its own blanket, made by volunteers like Liz C.
05August, and before prom
Teens in foster care shop new dresses and suits for free at the FOFK Center before homecoming and prom. The 2026 fall shop ran August 26 to 28.
Sponsors cover a prom experience, stylists give hair and makeup, and an Uber gift card gets a student to the dance.
Spirit of Christmas
Three wishes plus the basics: PJs, a hoodie, toiletries, a hat and gloves. A list runs $250 to $1,000 depending on the child's age, so families, friends and offices often join together on one.
Request your lists
Tell us how many and any preference.
Shop the list
New items only, unwrapped, with the list attached.
Drop off by the deadline
Volunteers wrap every gift and deliver by Christmas.
Questions: SpiritofChristmas@friendsoffosterkids.org
In-kind donations
Drop off at the center during open hours, or ship from the Amazon wish list.
Personal care
Toiletries, hygiene kits, hair care
Clothing
Newborn to XXXL, PJs, coats, shoes
Bedding
Blankets, sheets, pillows
Household
Everything for a first apartment
Grad supplies
Storage tubs and school supplies
Toys and games
Every age, 0 to 17
Electronics
Headphones and laptops
Gift cards
Meijer, Target, Subway, Chipotle
501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 26-3886394 · 51341 Celeste Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48315