JOIN THE MOVEMENT OF SUPPORTING FOSTER FAMILIES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BY HELPING PROVIDE A FLASH BOX!
Foster families offer radical hospitality, love, and care for kids in crisis in the community. We believe that the we have a unique opportunity to encourage and support foster families who live nearby. Flash Boxes are designed to do just that! Filled with activities, gift cards, and items for both the guardians and kids, Flash Boxes will bless the socks off foster families!
HERE’S HOW TO PUT YOUR BOX TOGETHER
1. Purchase an opaque 12 gallon lidded-tote with snapping/latching handles.
Please DO NOT use a clear tote.
2. Fill it:
Place suggested items in the box to fill it. Get creative and include family focused activities, items to bless the foster parent(s), and fun items for kids. Remember families often have children with a wide range of ages. It is recommended that the box include family-focused items, items specifically for the foster parent/s, and gift cards for the families. The average box is valued between $100-$125.
3. Write a Note:
Attach a simple handwritten thank you note to offer encouragement and support to the foster parent(s). Notes can be short and should be taped to the inside of the box lid. Think about messages like: “Thank you for the love and sacrifice you give for kids in foster care in our community.” “Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you!” “Your family is full of rock stars, adults & kids!” “Our community needs you. Thank you for the radical generosity you provide to kids in foster care.”
4. Drop it off!
WHAT GOES INSIDE
Here are some suggestions for filling a Flash Box with creative, appropriate items.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES (At Least 50% of Box)
• Disposable film or Polaroid camera and photo album
• Bubbles and wands
• Picture frames
• Headphones or earbuds, chargers, pop sockets
• Small kite
• Deflated ball with air pump
• Craft/art supplies or activities
Family friendly DVDs
• Board or card games
• Puzzles
• Books
• Bubble bath and bath toys
• Baking mix, cookie cutters, or cupcake liners
Think about creative family activities and have fun!
Inspiration includes: Sports (baseball and mitt, for example); gardening (small birdhouse, paint, and bird seed or seed packet and small hand trowel); gaming, mani/pedi set, etc.
ADULT-FOCUSED ITEMS (At Least 25% of Box)
• Sanitizing wipes
• Soap
• Lotion or bubble bath
• Candles
• Comfy socks
• Car freshener
• Journal
• Water bottle or coffee traveler mug
• Sanitizing wipes
• Soap
• Lotion or bubble bath
• Candles
• Comfy socks
• Car freshener
• Journal
• Water bottle or coffee traveler mug
GIFT CARDS OR CERTIFICATES (At Least 25% of Box)
• Game Stop
• Foot Locker, Nike, Adidas
• Apple Store
• Local bowling alley
• Local family fun center
• Cinema
• Redbox
• Amazon
• Meal delivery
• Target, Walmart
• Home Depot
• Starbucks
• Family restaurant
• Fast food
Please Do NOT Include Any of the Following Items:
• Used items
• Items for infants (pacifiers, diapers, wipes, etc.)
• Stuffed animals*
• Holiday/seasonal items
• Religious items
• Slime or food dye
• Sharp/dangerous objects
• Snacks that expire within nine months
• Violent action figures or toys
• Vitamins
(*Kids in foster care get many stuffed animals donated through other organizations. Please think of some other creative ways to surprise kids with special items.)