The United Way California Capital Region is accepting donations this week in person and online to help provide some basics for foster children who are aging out of the system and have little-to-no support.
The non-profit's Women United group is putting together gift baskets this week and hopes to have luggage, towels, and toiletries for 375 kids.
United Way spokesperson Katherine Elorduy says volunteers will be at the 10389 Old Placerville Road location until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday accepting donations.
"We have received a number of donations already,” Florduy says. “We have a group of volunteers that are coming out to actually put these items together in baskets and write little inspirational notes that will accompany the towel sets and luggage."
She says people interested in donating have until the end of the week to purchase items online by going to the local United Way website, which will then take them to an Amazon.com page.
"They will be delivered directly to our United Way office here in Sacramento and by the end of the month all of these items will be distributed to foster youth who are in need," Florduy says. United Way is also providing links to services for kids who are not ready to be on their own.
The Women's United group has a goal of increasing the educational opportunities for foster kids with the hope more of them go on to college. According to a University of Chicago study, a little more than half of foster kids graduate high school by the time they turn 19.
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