Bethany Christian Services and the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth, and Families (NHDCYF) collected donated gifts for children in foster care as part of Operation Christmas Joy on Monday, December 9 at Manchester Christian Church.
Roughly 2,000 gifts will be distributed to children in foster care and their foster families, exceeding last year’s total of 1900 gifts.
“We are so grateful for the community’s generosity and for the support from local churches and businesses,” said Jan Peightell, branch director of Bethany Christian Services of Candia. “The holidays can be a difficult time for children in foster care. This is a small way we can show them they are loved.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF), there are approximately 437,000 children in foster care across the country, 125,400 of which are eligible for adoption. In New Hampshire, NHDCYF reports there are over 900 children in foster care.
Bethany partners with NHDCYF to find foster homes for children, recruit foster parents, and support foster families through the Community and Faith-Based Initiative partnership.
“The need is great,” said Peightell. “Becoming a foster parent may seem like a daunting step, but it makes an incredible impact in the life of a child.”
To donate to Operation Christmas Joy or to learn about becoming a foster parent through NHDCYF, visit Bethany.org/candia or call (603) 483-2886.
