“It was amazing, and it meant the world to us to see the kids’ faces when they realized the gifts were personalized just for them!”
Stephanie Kreitner, foster mom
This year, the Kreitners were just one of our foster families that received a special gift—a Christmas Experience to remember! Because of our generous donors, the Kreitner family was able to take their family of nine on an outing to Great Wolf Lodge. On top of that, they received individual experiences for each of the kids. Their little ones received Animal Safari tickets, while their older children received ziplining experiences.
Every year, each of our foster families submits a Christmas wish list for their kids. Sponsors can then either go shopping for the items on the list or donate money for Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries to do the shopping. The goal is the same either way—make children in foster care feel special and loved. Stephanie Kreitner shared what it was like for her family:
“For us, Christmas was extra special. With seven kids and it being our first Christmas at Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries, we didn’t exactly know what to expect. We planned out the lists, but my husband and I kept it a secret from the kids (though we asked them to give us a list of wants and needs they would like). We then researched and planned it so everyone got a family activity, individual activity, and then a couple of gifts they wanted/needed,” said Stephanie.
The kids loved all of it but were incredibly touched by how their sponsors went the extra mile to make the gifts personal by adding touches of each child’s favorite color or interest.
“Not only did we get what we asked for, but some donors went above and beyond to personalize it and make it extra special for the kids. It was amazing, and it meant the world to us to see the kids’ faces when the gifts were personalized just for them! The children expressed how grateful they were and how special it was to feel cared for and recognized,” said Stephanie.
This is just the example of one family at Christmas. At Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries, each child receives memorable gifts chosen with love, a tangible expression of how our heavenly Father loves to bestow good gifts upon his children. Each child is shown they are loved and cared for, just as God loves and cares for all his children. We are so thankful for all our Christmas sponsors who donate their time and money so foster families can see the joy on their children’s faces at Christmastime—a gift that is truly priceless.
To learn more about how you can donate and get more involved with our families, visit coyotehill.org/volunteer.
Related Stories View All
