Department of Family Services – Children, Youth and Families

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Oriane Eriksen
Director

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Donate Foster Care Housewarming Baskets!

group of women with housewarming basketsHousewarming baskets are a thoughtful way to make sure that older youth in foster care have the basic necessities they need to start living independently. It’s a huge challenge to outfit a first apartment from scratch and purchase basic household goods, cleaning supplies, and kitchen items with little to no income and no family support. Generous individuals or organizations can make a real difference!

Donating these everyday household goods can help young adults in foster care get off to a better start in life. Your gift of these everyday essentials can help a foster youth overcome many of the challenges that often lead to housing instability and food insecurity and focus on higher education and elevating themselves. 

Anyone can Help!:
  • Individuals or families. 
  • Corporate teams, church or youth groups, community organizations. 
  • Teens earning service hours for shopping, travel time, and assembling baskets.
How can I help?
  1. Purchase the household goods – Everything must be brand NEW!
  2. Fill the basket – Fill a laundry basket, clothes hamper, storage bin, or large bag. 
  3. Deliver the completed housewarming baskets – Contact Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption at DFSIndependentLiving@fairfaxcounty.gov to coordinate shipping or delivery.

Can’t fill a basket, but still want to help? We’ll accept donations of supplies at any time.

Suggested Housewarming Supplies:
  • Trash bags, trash can
  • Cleaning supplies (vacuum, broom, mop, dustpan, microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, etc.)
  • Dishwasher/laundry detergent 
  • Shower curtains and towels
  • Sheets, blankets, and comforters
  • Toiletries such as hand soap, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
  • Laundry basket, clothes hamper
  • Kitchen towels, dishcloths, sponges
  • Cooking utensils, pots and pans, silverware
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Storage containers, potholders
  • Paper products
  • Spices and pantry items.

We appreciate your generous donations and support!

Please email Fairfax County Fostering Futures Unit at DFSIndependentLiving@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7639 for more information.

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