(Posted 2026 May)
Foster care placements can happen any time—day or night—without much warning. Foster parents don’t always have much time to gather the essential supplies they’ll need to make a new child comfortable in their home.
Foster Care Packages help fill a short-term urgent need for those supplies. The items in each foster care package are age-appropriate to meet the needs of the child(ren) being placed in the foster home.
Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption is partnering with our Foster Parent Ambassadors to deliver foster care packages door-to-door. We need additional community donations and support to assemble the care packages. This is an excellent way to lend a hand to foster families and make children in crisis feel cared for and welcome.
Please see the list of desired supplies below or visit our online wish list to purchase items for delivery.
Suggested Care Package Supplies:
- Baby healthcare and grooming kit.
- Baby washcloths, hooded baby bath towels.
- Baby wash & shampoo, baby lotion, petroleum jelly.
- Bibs, receiving blankets, burp cloths.
- Sippy cups, teething rings.
- Hooded kids bath towels, extra-large bath towels, washcloths, mesh loofahs.
- Toiletries such as body wash, cocoa butter and shea butter lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, travel dental hygiene kits, deodorant, etc.
- Throw blankets, drawstring bags.
- Small packs of crayons, coloring books, small stuffed animals, puzzles.
Who can help?
- Individuals or families.
- Corporate teams, church or youth groups, community organizations.
- Teens who could earn service hours for shopping, travel time, and assembling baskets.
How can I help?
- Purchase the items – Everything must be brand NEW! Items can be purchased for delivery through our online wish list.
- Fill the package – Fill a laundry basket, clothes hamper, storage bin, or bag.
- Deliver the completed care packages – Contact Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption at DFSBeAFosterParent@fairfaxcounty.gov to coordinate shipping or delivery.
We appreciate your generous donations and support!
Please email Fairfax County Foster Care at DFSBeAFosterParent@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7639 for more information.
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).