Wisconsin Foster Closet, Inc.

11/14/2026

11/13/2026

A special thank you to the amazing ladies from Intentional Minds for the wonderful sock drive and donating their time volunteering. They were able to get so much done to catch us up. So grateful

11/13/2026

The Chippewa Valley REMAX Results Offices in Menomonie and Eau Claire are proud to be local drop-off locations for these local charities to bring a little cheer to children this holiday season!

Our Eau Claire office is working with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation who distribute toys to children with families in financial need. They are looking for donations of:
💝New & Unwrapped Toys

Eau Claire REMAX Results Office
4260 Southtowne Drive, Eau Claire, WI
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday, 8am to 3pm

Our Menomonie office is working with Wisconsin Foster Closet, Inc. during their Christmas For Kids Event that helps children who are in or recently aged out of the foster system. They are looking for donations of:
💝New or Gently Used Clothing
💝New & Unwrapped Toys
💝New or Gently Used Backpacks
💝Hygiene & Personal Care Essentials
💝Shoes & Winter Boots
💝New or Gently Used Age Appropriate Books

Menomonie REMAX Results Office
1321 Stout Road, Menomonie, WI
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm
______________________________________________________________________
*Hours may vary due to weather and holidays

11/13/2026

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our secret donor for the five wonderful My Life dolls! We know these beautiful gifts are going to bring so many smiles and make some very special children incredibly happy!

We also want to take a moment to thank ALL of our amazing sponsors and donors who have supported the Wisconsin Foster Closet over the past several months.

Between the construction, our Secret Santa program, and the everyday hustle and bustle of keeping things running, it's been a little chaotic around here!

If we've missed giving anyone a personal thank-you or a shout-out, please know it was never intentional, and we sincerely apologize.

Your kindness and generosity never go unnoticed, even when we don't get the chance to publicly recognize you.

We see the difference you're making. We see the smiles you're creating. And we are beyond grateful for every single one of you.

From all of us at the Wisconsin Foster Closet, thank you for being part of our village and helping us remind these children that they are seen, valued, and loved.

11/12/2026

💙🦋 TO BE LOVED, SEEN, AND VALUED 🦋💙

For a child in foster or kinship care, being loved, seen, and valued can mean more than we will ever truly understand.

❤️ To be LOVED means knowing that someone cares, even on the hardest days. That they are worthy of kindness, patience, and compassion, no matter what their story may be.

💙 To be SEEN means being more than a placement, a case number, or a child with a difficult past. It means someone notices their smile, hears their fears, celebrates their accomplishments, and recognizes the person they are.

🦋 To be VALUED means knowing they matter. Their feelings matter. Their opinions matter. Their dreams matter. And their future matters.

And for foster and kinship families, it means knowing they aren't alone. That their sacrifices are recognized, their struggles are understood, and their commitment makes a difference.

At the Wisconsin Foster Closet, we believe every child and every family deserves to feel loved, seen, supported, and valued.

Because sometimes, the greatest gift we can give someone isn't something we can put in a bag.

It's the feeling that they matter, they belong, and they haven't been forgotten. ❤️

Thank you for helping us make that possible, one child and one family at a time.

11/11/2026

💙🦋 WHEN GRANDMA BECOMES MOM AGAIN... THE STORY WE DON'T ALWAYS HEAR 🦋💙

Through the eyes of a kinship grandparent.

I thought I had done my job.

I raised my children. I watched them grow up, move out, and begin families of their own.

I had finally reached that chapter of life where I could just be Grandma.

You know, the fun one.

The one who spoils the grandkids, sneaks them an extra cookie, lets them stay up a little later, fills them with sugar, and then happily sends them home to their parents.

I thought I had earned that chapter of my life.

But life doesn't always go the way we plan.

My children fell on hard times. Things happened. Mistakes were made. And somewhere along the way, life became more complicated than any of us could have imagined.

Then one day, the phone rang.

"Grandma, I need you."

And shortly afterward, a social worker explained that my grandchildren needed somewhere safe to go.

They needed family.

They needed me.

And without hesitation, my answer was YES.

I got in my car and drove hours across the state to pick up my grandchildren.

I didn't know what tomorrow would look like. I didn't know how long they would stay. I didn't know how I was going to make everything work.

I just knew they needed their grandma.

And I was going to be there.

But here's the part nobody really talks about.

I'm 63 years old.

I never imagined that at 63, I would be raising children all over again.

Instead of enjoying my retirement years, sleeping in, making spontaneous plans, or spending afternoons with friends, I'm back to packing lunches, setting bedtimes, helping with homework, attending school conferences, and making doctor's appointments.

Instead of being the grandma who says, "Of course you can have another cookie," I'm the one saying, "No more sugar. It's time to brush your teeth and get ready for bed."

Instead of being the fun grandma, I've become the parent again.

And please don't misunderstand me.

I love my grandchildren more than words could ever explain.

I would make that drive a thousand times over.

I would say YES again and again.

But I would be lying if I said it wasn't hard.

Because sometimes, I'm grieving a life I thought I would have.

I'm grieving the relationship I expected to have with my grandchildren.

I'm grieving the struggles my own children are facing.

And I'm grieving for two little children who should be able to grow up with their parents.

I can be grateful that my grandchildren are safe with me and still be heartbroken about why they're here.

Both things can be true.

And sometimes, that's the loneliest part.

My friends don't always understand.

They're planning vacations, enjoying retirement, and talking about their grandchildren coming over for the weekend.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to figure out school schedules, grocery bills, winter boots, emotional outbursts, and how to stretch my budget to cover two more growing children.

Sometimes I don't need advice.

Sometimes I don't need someone telling me how wonderful I am for stepping up.

Sometimes I just need someone to understand that I can love this life and still miss the one I had planned.

That's why I'm so grateful our social worker told me about the Wisconsin Foster Closet.

When I first heard about it, I thought it was just a place to get clothing and supplies for the kids.

And yes, they helped us with those things.

But what I didn't expect was to find something I needed just as much.

Support. Understanding. Connection.

I met people who understood what it means to suddenly become a parent again.

I learned about their support group for foster and kinship families.

And I found people I could call when I was overwhelmed, frustrated, scared, or simply needed someone to listen.

People who didn't judge me for feeling tired.

People who understood that loving my grandchildren doesn't mean every day is easy.

People who reminded me that I don't have to do this alone.

And that means more than you could possibly imagine.

So when you donate to the Wisconsin Foster Closet, please understand something.

You're not just donating a coat.

You're helping a grandmother make sure her grandchildren stay warm this winter.

You're not just donating school supplies.

You're helping two children feel prepared and included in a classroom when so much of their world has changed.

You're not just making a monetary donation.

You're helping keep a place open where families like mine can find resources, compassion, and people who understand.

And when you support their programs, you're helping grandparents like me find the strength to keep going.

Because sometimes the people who say YES to children need someone to say YES to them, too.

I didn't plan to become a parent again at 63.

I didn't plan for my family to walk this road.

But here we are.

And thanks to people like you, we don't have to walk it alone.

❤️ Thank you for supporting the Wisconsin Foster Closet. Because when you support them, you're supporting families like mine.

You're helping us find our footing.

You're helping my grandchildren feel safe and loved.

And you're giving all of us a chance to succeed.

With love,

A Grandma Who Said YES. 💙

---

🦋 FROM THE WISCONSIN FOSTER CLOSET

This story is written from the perspective of a kinship grandparent and represents the emotions and challenges so many grandparents and relatives face when they unexpectedly become caregivers.

Kinship caregivers are often the quiet heroes of foster care. They step forward out of love, often with little preparation, while navigating their own heartbreak and life changes.

They deserve support, too.

At the Wisconsin Foster Closet, our mission isn't just about clothing children. It's about supporting the entire family, whether that family is a foster parent, a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, or another relative who answered the call.

Because when we strengthen the family, we strengthen the child.

💙 Thank you for helping us be there for those who say YES.

Bridging generosity & meeting needs.

11/11/2026

Good morning from the Wisconsin Foster Closet!

We've been receiving quite a few emails and messages with questions about our Secret Santa program, so we thought we would take a few minutes to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. Do we need to wrap the gifts?

No, please do not wrap the gifts. For safety reasons and out of respect for the children and families, we ask that all gifts remain unwrapped. However, gift bags are more than welcome! We actually appreciate them because they make transporting and organizing the gifts much easier.

2. Do we have to wait until the designated drop-off date to bring our gifts?

Absolutely not! We would LOVE for you to drop them off early!

We already have gifts arriving, and it is such a wonderful sight. The earlier we receive the gifts, the earlier we can get everything organized and distributed to the families. It also takes some of the worry out of wondering whether gifts will arrive on time.

If you sponsored multiple children, please feel free to bring their gifts in as you finish shopping. You do not have to bring everything at once.

3. Do we have to purchase everything on the child's wish list?

No! And we cannot stress this enough.

Our Secret Santa program is meant to supplement what foster and kinship families are already doing for the children in their care. These families are raising and loving these children as their own, and our goal is to help ease some of the financial burden while spreading a little extra Christmas cheer.

The lists are simply the children's wants, wishes, and interests. They are guidelines to help you shop, not expectations that everything must be purchased.

Please give within your means. Whether you purchase one item or several, your generosity makes a difference.

4. Where do we drop off the gifts?

Wisconsin Foster Closet
3375 Kothow Avenue, Suite 40
Menomonie, WI

Our regular hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5. What if we cannot physically drop off the gifts?

No problem at all!

You are more than welcome to shop through Amazon, Target, Walmart, or any other retailer and have the gifts shipped directly to us.

We just ask one very important thing: PLEASE include the child's ID number with the gifts.

With over 360 children participating in this year's program, you can imagine what a task it is to make sure every gift gets matched with the correct child. Those ID numbers are incredibly important!

Don't have time to shop or arrange shipping? You can also make a monetary donation, and one of our amazing volunteers or board members would be happy to do the shopping for you. We can even send you pictures of the gifts purchased and receipts for your records.

6. What if I don't want to sponsor a specific child but still want to help?

We would absolutely LOVE your help!

One of our biggest needs right now is teenage gifts, stocking stuffers, and gift cards.

We also use these extra donations to help balance gifts between siblings. Sometimes one child receives a little more than another, and we do our very best to make sure nobody feels overlooked or less important on Christmas morning.

Some of the most requested gift cards include Amazon, Sephora, Ulta, Walmart, Visa, Culver's, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and Raising Cane's.

Other wonderful ideas for our teenagers include makeup, skincare products, perfumes, colognes, fishing supplies, art supplies, craft kits, wireless speakers, MP3 players, hair care products, and just about anything that helps a teenager feel like a teenager.

And please don't forget our younger children! We appreciate stocking stuffers for ALL ages, from little treats and small toys to fun trinkets and age-appropriate surprises.

Sometimes it is those little extras that bring the biggest smiles.

One last thing we want you to know.

We recognize that sponsoring a child is a commitment of your time, money, and heart. We don't take that lightly.

We also recognize that behind every child's ID number is a real child with a story, with wishes, with feelings, and with hopes for Christmas morning.

Some of these children have experienced more in their young lives than most of us can imagine. And while we cannot change everything they've been through, together we can help give them a Christmas where they feel remembered, valued, and loved.

To everyone who has sponsored a child, purchased gifts, donated stocking stuffers, shared our posts, or simply helped spread the word, THANK YOU.

You are the reason this program is possible. You are the reason hundreds of children will have a little extra Christmas magic this year.

We are so incredibly grateful for your time, your generosity, your compassion, and most importantly, your hearts.

With love and gratitude,
Your Wisconsin Foster Closet Family

11/11/2026

You all sure know how to make us cry! Happy tears, of course! Seriously, we are sitting here in absolute amazement!

WE ARE DOWN TO JUST 10 CHILDREN STILL NEEDING A SECRET SANTA!

TEN! Can you believe it?!

The love, generosity, and compassion pouring in from our communities have been absolutely incredible. Just when we think our hearts couldn't possibly get any fuller, you go and prove us wrong.

These children may never know your names or meet you face-to-face, but because of you, they will know that someone thought of them. Someone cared. Someone wanted to make their Christmas a little brighter.

We are SO close to making sure every single child on our list has someone in their corner this Christmas!

Can we find Secret Santas for these final 10 amazing children?

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for reminding us what community, kindness, and Christmas magic are all about.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AACAA22A0FFC25-65862717-2026

Come on, Wisconsin! Let's bring it home!

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you! Please have all gifts in by December 7th, unwrapped but gift bags appreciated. If you have gifts delivered please include the childs sign up identification. Thank you for making the holidays better.

11/10/2026

We are literally in tears. Down to just 29 children!

As we look at our Secret Santa list compared to yesterday, we are overwhelmed with emotion. We are down to just 29 amazing children, mostly teenagers, who are still waiting for their Secret Santa.

And we want you to understand something.

You are doing so much more than buying Christmas presents.

You are telling a child that even though you may never meet them, even though you don’t know their story, you are rooting for them.

You are in their corner. You are reminding them that they matter. You are showing them that someone believes in them. You are giving them a little extra love, hope, and a reason to smile.

For some of these children, this may be the first Christmas present they’ve ever received.

For others, it may be the first time they’ve ever owned something brand new, picked out especially for them.

And for some, especially our teenagers who have experienced more heartbreak and disappointment than any child should, it may be one of the few times someone has reminded them that they are worthy, they are seen, they are loved, and their lives have meaning.

Think about that for a moment.

Someone they may never meet is choosing to show up for them. No expectations. No recognition needed. Just kindness and love.

That is the magic of Christmas.

To every individual who has shopped for a child, every business that has stepped forward, every church, organization, family, group of coworkers, or friends who have pooled their money and resources to sponsor one child or several, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

You have brought tears to our eyes, hope to our hearts, and so much joy to children who deserve every bit of it.

We are beyond blessed to be part of a community that continues to show up, again and again, for children and families in foster and kinship care.

But we’re not quite finished yet!

We still have 29 children waiting, and as more children are added to our list, we want every single one of them to know they haven’t been forgotten.

And here’s something else we want everyone to know. You don’t have to sponsor an entire child to make a difference.

If sponsoring a child isn’t on your radar right now, but you’d still love to help, we would be so grateful for additional gifts and stocking stuffers, especially for our teenagers.

We have teens asking for things like makeup, hair care supplies, cologne, sports memorabilia, and practical items to help them prepare for aging out of foster care and starting life on their own.

These are young people who are often overlooked during the holidays. They’re not little kids anymore, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped wishing for Christmas magic. It doesn’t mean they don’t secretly hope someone will remember them.

We welcome those extra gifts, whether it’s one item or a bag full. We can use them to add something special to a teenager’s Christmas or put together last-minute gifts for teens who may otherwise go without.

Maybe you can’t sponsor a child, but you can pick up a bottle of cologne, a makeup set, a gift card, or a few stocking stuffers while you’re out shopping. Those little things add up, and together we can make something pretty amazing happen.

Every gift matters. Every child matters. And our teenagers matter just as much as our little ones.

Please help us spread the word. Share this post. Tag a business. Challenge a friend. Gather your coworkers. Sponsor a teen. Or simply pick up a few extra items while you’re out shopping.

Because sometimes the greatest gift you can give a child isn’t what’s inside the wrapping paper.

It’s knowing that somebody, somewhere, cared enough to make sure they weren’t forgotten.

From all of us at the Wisconsin Foster Closet, thank you for being the reason these children get to experience a little extra love and Christmas magic this year.

I cannot begin to express how proud and grateful I am for this community. We get to see the generosity coming in, the names being sponsored, and the gifts arriving. But what touches my heart the most is knowing what all of this means to the children receiving them.

29 more children. We can do this together.

If you’d like to become a Secret Santa, you can sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AACAA22A0FFC25-65862717-2026

And if you’d rather donate extra gifts or stocking stuffers, we would be incredibly grateful for those as well.

Thank you for continuing to be the bridge between generosity and meeting the needs of these amazing children.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you! Please have all gifts in by December 7th, unwrapped but gift bags appreciated. If you have gifts delivered please include the childs sign up identification. Thank you for making the holidays better.