Louisiana’s children and youth in foster care will have gifts under the tree and bright spirits thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, churches and nonprofit organizations across the state. The groups have gathered to either provide gifts or host events for children and families in foster care.

Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Christmas JOY Project for children and youth featured on the Louisiana Heart Gallery provided gifts statewide. Others who have contributed regionally include: Barksdale Air Force Base, Santa in Blue; The Bayou Church (Lafayette Parish); Bethany Church; CASA New Orleans; Christ the King Church (Covington Region); First Baptist Church (Acadia Parish); Foster Friends; Foster the Love; Fostering Community; 4-H; Geaux 4 Kids – Project “Just Be Claus”; Lindsey Perry and Friends; Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home; Moving Mountains Ministry; Our Savior’s Church; Preparing the Way Ministries; Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital; Shreveport CASA; South Louisiana Christian Women’s Association; St. Joseph’s Church (Arnaudville); Trinity Baptist Church (Lake Charles); Trinity Church (Lincoln Parish); Unite Ministries; Victory Baptist Church – Royal Family Kids Camp (Monroe); and the Well Northeast Louisiana – Community Christmas.

Foster care support is needed all year long! Find out how you can Be There for children and youth in foster care in 2024.

211

If there’s a family in your area who needs some assistance this holiday season or throughout the year, help is a phone call away by dialing 211. The Louisiana 211 team works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to listen to needs and identify available resources. Louisiana 211 also works with the Kinship Navigator Program (KNP), an information and referral network for relative caregivers who are providing full-time care to children other than their own. Dial 211 or text KINSHIPLA to 898-211.

December Adoption Spotlight

December’s adoption spotlight features Skylar (10) and John (12) from the Baton Rouge Region.

Skylar – 10

Skylar is a happy, engaging child whose face lights up with a huge smile when people are around. Skylar likes to let people know he is around by being vocal when they have not said hello. He is content with listening to TV shows and being given attention. Skylar hopes to have a family who enjoys his joyous demeanor.

John – 12

John is a young man with an amazing smile. He is active and enjoys outside activities, his favorite being football. John enjoys reading books and learning new activities. He enjoys sharing his thoughts, dreams and desires with others. John is looking for a family who will love him and give him the attention he needs.