Foster Parent Association Launches Clothing Drive and Relief Fund for Foster Family Hurricane Victims          

[SEPT. 19, 2005]  Gig Harbor, Wash. — September 14, 2005 — The National Foster Parent Association has launched a clothing drive and relief fund to support foster families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. NFPA donated $10,000 to kick-off the drive and hopes others will contribute clothing and funds.

Americans are being asked to donate good, usable clothing that will be distributed to foster families. While clothing for all ages is needed, there is particular need for new underwear and clothing for infants aged 0-24 months. 

Clothing donations should be sent via U.S. mail or UPS to the Adoptive and Foster Parent Association of Georgia, which has agreed to act as a distribution point for the affected families.  Donations should be addressed to Sharon Carlson, 600 Big Bear Road, Bogart, GA, 30622.

In addition, NFPA is collecting monetary donations that will be used as cash grants and gift cards for affected foster families.  Donations can be made online at www.NFPAinc.org or mailed to NFPA, 7512 Stanich Avenue #6, Gig Harbor, WA, 98335.  Checks and money orders should be made payable to “NFPA Disaster Relief.” 

“Foster families have opened their homes to vulnerable children and now many of them in the Gulf Region don’t have their homes anymore,” said Karen Jorgenson, NFPA executive director.  “People have been calling us from all over the country asking how they can help.”

Jorgenson advises foster families who need assistance to contact their state association first.  “The state associations are the primary point for help.  NFPA is working closely with the state associations to make sure they have what they need.”  A list of state associations is available on the NFPA website, www.NFPAinc.org.

Additionally, anyone interested in fostering children orphaned by the hurricane should also contact their state association.

While accurate numbers of foster families and children affected by the hurricane cannot be determined at this time, at least 322 families have been affected in Mississippi alone.  NFPA fears many children have been orphaned by the storm and these children will require foster care as well.

 The National Foster Parent Association, based in Gig Harbor, Wash., is the only national organization that strives to support foster parents and remains a strong voice on behalf of all children.  Currently, more than 500,000 children are in the foster care system in America.  For more information about NFPA, visit www.NFPAinc.org.

[News release]