Giving Comfort to Children Coming into Foster Care
The majority of children coming into foster care must wait in an office for 1-2 hours while a social worker calls to find them a suitable placement. This is usually a time of high anxiety for children as they have recently been removed from their home and are being moved to a new, unknown place
The notion of a VIP Kids Bag is a simple one. While the child is waiting, a social worker gives the child a bag of age appropriate items to occupy their time while in the office. This bag will also include a 2 day supply of clean clothes specific to their age and gender. It will also be a bag they can carry and take with them into their new foster home. Since many children enter into care with very few belongings, the psychological importance of owning nice possessions cannot be underestimated.
Making a VIP Kids Bag is a simple way to comfort a foster child. It is also a great way to involve your own family in caring for less fortunate kids in our area.
How to Put a VIP Bag Together
Find a new drawstring or backpack to pack your items.
Fill the bag with at least three items from the item idea list below.
You may include a handwritten note/card (not sealed) and place it inside the bag that includes an encouraging message. “You are special”, “You are cared about”, “You are important”, or “Made for you with love”.
Note the gender and age range of the child the bag was packed for on the outside of the bag. You may want to tie it with a piece of string or a zip tie.
Contact your local VIP box coordinator through email or text to determine drop off time and location. fosteringconnectionsks@gmail.com. If you would rather donate individual items for VIP bags you may email or text as well. We will also accept toy donations to make VIP Kids Bags at any time. You may mail a check (memo VIP Kids Bags) to Fostering Connections, P. O. Box 1011, Frontenac, KS 66763
What goes into a VIP Bag:
Below you will find a simple guide for filling your VIP Kids Bag with fun, creative, age appropriate items. Please include a 2 day supply of clothes and at least 3 of the items from the item idea list below.
Please do not include: breakable items, aerosol cans, mouthwash that has alcohol, razors, Swiss army knives, vitamins, violent toys. We do ask that any stuffed animals or anything cloth be new, and not used.
AGES 2-4
Item idea list: Coloring book, crayons, colored pencils, non-perishable snacks, toddler size toothbrush, toddler toothpaste, nightlight, socks, sippy cup, small stuffed animal, cars, small doll, plastic toys, stickers, playdough, small etch a sketch, fun Bandaids, hair accessories, small blankie, small board books, or yo-yo
AGES 5-9
Item idea list: Coloring book, crayons, notebook, colored pencils, nonperishable snacks, toothbrush, toothpaste, flashlight (please include batteries), socks, underwear, small stuffed animal, small cars, small doll, Memory playing card game, small Lego set, stickers, brush/comb, sunglasses, hair accessories, books, a watch.
AGES 10-12
Item idea list: Journal or drawing pad, teen coloring book, markers or colored pencils, nonperishable snacks, toothbrush, toothpaste, flashlight (please include batteries), socks, underwear, deck of playing cards or any card game, yoyo, paper airplane kit, small Lego set, silly putty, word search puzzle books, brush/comb, sunglasses, hair accessories, books, a watch, lotion, compact mirror, bath gel.
AGES 13-17
Item idea list: Journal or drawing pad, teen coloring book, markers or colored pencils, nonperishable snacks, toothbrush, toothpaste, flashlight (please include batteries), socks, underwear, deck of playing cards, word search puzzle books, brush/comb, sunglasses, hair accessories, books, a watch, gum, compact mirror, bath gel, feminine products in a discreet case, stick deodorant, gift card to a fast-food restaurant, or a gift card to Target or Wal Mart.