02/19/2020- When a child enters foster care or is placed under the guardianship of another family member or friend, they often arrive with little more than the clothes on their back. That can make an already-stressful transition even more difficult, but a new program in our community is looking to change that. The U.P. Foster Closet of Menominee collects new and gently used items to be donated to families in the Menominee or Marinette areas caring for these kids to help ease some of the financial strain. Cassie Lauren with the Foster Closet of Menominee says while foster families receive a stipend for clothing, that amount barely covers basic needs and many families end up paying for these items out-of-pocket.
In addition to clothing, the Foster Closet also accepts baby gear, personal hygiene items, gift cards, and furniture. Lauren says although they’re just getting started, the outpouring of community support shows just how much of a need this sort of service is for the area.
There are U.P. Foster Closets also operating in Delta, Dickinson, and Marquette Counties. To get more information about making a donation, volunteering, or receiving items locally, visit the U.P. Foster Closet of Menominee Facebook page or call 920-249-4162.