“Many of the kids who come into our care only have the clothes they are wearing. My husband and I often have enough to get them through the [first] night, but having the opportunity to take them to the store and let them pick out their own clothes and shoes—clothes that actually fit—gives them the confidence to feel that everything is going to be OK. I remember one particular set of children who came into our care. When we went shopping, the oldest boy told me he had never picked out clothes for himself before, let alone new clothes at a store. His face lit up with joy as he experienced something so simple yet so important.

This donation has also given my husband and me a sense of peace. It's one less thing we have to worry about, allowing us to focus more on the kids and their well-being.”  -Julie

“Getting the extra clothing reimbursement twice a year is really amazing. We have been fostering for 6 1/2 years, and when I talk to other foster parents about their agencies, I’m always shocked by how little they do for their families. Over the years, this reimbursement has definitely come in handy. One time we got teenagers in the middle of summer, so of course we had to get summer clothes, and then we had to turn around and get back-to-school/fall clothes. With toddlers and babies, they’re constantly outgrowing their clothes, or in our case, they get ruined by spit-up. So, this extra reimbursement allows us to stock up on clothes for the coming season, buy an extra cute outfit, or sometimes, buy a pair of shoes in the next size up. So, thank you so much for your generosity because it really does make a difference.”  -KayCee

For almost two decades, The Beaumont Foundation of America (BFA) has provided clothing for children living with Buckner foster families like Julie’s and KayCee’s. This year, the Foundation’s gift of $66,000 has given children and teens in multiple Texas cities the experience of choosing their own clothing and the dignity of wearing something new.

Since BFA’s first gift in 2007, the foundation has given more than $2 million in clothing assistance to children served by Buckner Foster Care. BFA serves families through five program areas: children and youth programs, education, health care, social services and foundation-initiated grants. The Foundation funds organizations and projects with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for those in need.

The unforgettable experience of selecting a new shirt or pair of shoes is a priceless gift that brings positive change in a child’s quality of life. We could not be more grateful for the joy and sense of belonging the Beaumont Foundation of America has provided to children for 18 years.