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GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - May is Foster Care Awareness Month, in according to data nearly 8,000 children were removed from their homes and placed in state custody or care through the child welfare or juvenile probation systems in the last year.

 

A duffel bag full of belongings will be given to children who are removed from their home and put in foster care thanks to the Heartland United Way "Fostering Hope in the Heartland" event. 

Heartland United Way is hoping to help children in their area during the tough transition.

 

Valerie Roth with Heartland United way said, often times when children are removed from their home it is without warning and happens quickly. Many times a trash bag full of belonging is all these kids leave home with.

 

So they've decided to step up and help. The united way along with multiple agencies have teamed up for the "Fostering Hope in the Heartland" event.

 

From now until the end of May you can donate to the program, which will provide a bag and essential items like toiletries, stuffed animals, blankets, clothes and other items to children in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties who've recently entered the foster care system.

 

The following local businesses and organizations will have boxes set up for people to purchase and donate items to go in the duffel bags: Heartland United Way, Blessed Sacrament Church, Burlington, CVS, Howard County Medical Center, Hornady (Grand Island and Alda locations), Hy-Vee, Principal, Sam’s Club, and Walgreens (Webb Road and Second Street).