Caring for Kids is an all-volunterr organization commited to helping under served childeren in Lakewood, Steilacoom, and University Place. Founded in 1975, Caring for Kids began as a small clothing bank in the back of the old Lakeview Elementary School in Lakewood, WA. The organization was inspired by the heartfelt dedication of Diane Formoso, a school bus driver who recognized the profound needs
of her students. One Christmas, a little boy named Michael tearfully shared with Diane that Santa wouldn’t be visiting his house because his mother had to pay rent. Determined to help, Diane made sure Michael’s family received Christmas gifts, marking the humble beginnings of Caring for Kids. Under Diane’s leadership as founder and executive director, the organization has grown significantly, addressing various needs within the community. Each initiative started with a single story of need, expanding into comprehensive programs to support children and families. Emergency Food Bank: The emergency food bank was established after a high school teacher informed Diane about a student whose family hadn’t eaten in three days. Diane quickly organized a food drive, and within two days, five large boxes of food were delivered to the family. This effort led to the opening of the emergency food bank at Evergreen Elementary on Fort Lewis. Clothing Bank: Serving over 1,000 kids annually, the clothing bank provides new clothing, including coats, shirts, pants, shoes, socks, and underwear. Each child receives a package that ensures they have the essentials they need. Holiday Fair: The Holiday Fair originated from a need to support families during the festive season. Initially helping 25 families, it quickly expanded to support over 2,000 kids annually. The event has become a cornerstone of Caring for Kids’ outreach, providing gifts and holiday cheer to those in need. Coloring Books and Crayons Program: To reach more children, Caring for Kids distributes coloring books and crayons, especially through the holidays, to various community organizations. These resources bring joy and creativity to children at LASA, WIC, Greater Lakes Mental Health, food banks, and other local agencies. School Supply Bank: With community donations and strategic purchasing, the School Supply Bank ensures that students have the supplies they need year-round. Ready to Learn Fair: Responding to a surge of requests for help before the school year starts, the Ready to Learn Fair offers clothing, backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, haircuts, bike helmets, toys, books, and lunch. The fair now includes events at Springbrook Park and Tillicum Community Center to reach even more families. Read Across America: In celebration of Read Across America, Caring for Kids distributes books to early learning and low-income kindergarten students. Many of these children receive their very first books through this program, fostering a love for reading and learning. Hygiene Products: Dental kits, hygiene kits, and other personal care items are provided to schools, ensuring students have access to essential hygiene products. Growing Up is Fun Bags: These bags, filled with instructional materials and supplies, help low-income parents prepare their children for school. Distributed through WIC and early learning programs, these resources support early childhood development. Emergency Food Kits: Schools now receive emergency food kits containing meals and snacks to support families in crisis. Air Beds Distribution: Since January 2016, Caring for Kids has distributed over 442 air beds, along with blankets and pillows, to families in need. McDonald’s Gift Cards: $10 gift cards are given to homeless and struggling families, many of whom are living in their cars or couch surfing. Baby Clothes Distribution: Collected baby clothes are distributed through the clothing bank, WIC, and the Tillicum Community Center. Caring for Kids collaborates with numerous organizations, including Greater Lakes Mental Health, Nourish Food Banks, Tillicum Community Center, Springbrook Connection, Communities in Schools, Clover Park Technical College, and more. Through these partnerships, Caring for Kids provides homeless kits, food, school supplies, and other essential resources, making a lasting impact on the community. From humble beginnings to a wide-reaching network of support, Caring for Kids continues to embody the spirit of compassion and community, helping children and families thrive. How To Help
What’s Needed:
Money – Donations, no matter what the size, can make a huge difference in helping kids! Checks can be made out to Caring for Kids and mailed to: 237 Eldorado Ave. Fircrest, WA 98466
You can drop off donations at our center Monday - Thursday from 8am to 10:30am, please contact us to schedule a time for drop off and to get our drop off location address. Volunteer Opportunities
Stay connected with all our volunteer opportunities by joining our page: Caring for Kids WA VOLUNTEERS. We’re seeking dedicated volunteers for our special annual events, including the Ready to Learn Fair, Holiday Fair, and Happy Hearts Auction. Additionally, we need volunteers to assist at the Caring for Kids Center with coordinating our clothing bank and other essential programs. Students are always welcome! Whether you’re part of a class, leadership club, or athletic team, you can contribute by organizing community service projects such as canned food drives, penny drives, car washes, and sock collections. More ways to help:
Fred Meyer’s program helps us, without any cost to you. Please sign-up today! Fred Meyer Community Rewards is a program you can help by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Caring for Kids at
www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name or by our non-profit number (80290).
