ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On May 12, an Escanaba brewery is hosting an event to support a local organization helping foster children.
The U.P. Foster Closet of Delta County is one of several branches throughout the region. The donation-based organization provides essential items for kids in foster care or in the care of someone other than their biological parent.
“Everything from diapers to hygiene products to clothes to beds, if they need it, we are here to help them,” said Foster Closet co-operator Jenny Tourangeau.
The items are available free of charge to any foster child, from newborns to young adults. On average, the Foster Closet serves 20 – 25 children per month. According to Tourangeau, more than 50 children received items from the Foster Closet during its busiest month.
“The need keeps growing, and the foster homes are not growing with the need,” she said. “There’s a lot of family placements, a lot of split siblings.”
Tourangeau says nice, clean clothes are some of the most needed items among foster children.
“A lot of the times kids, when they’re removed from the home, they can hardly take anything with them, or what they do take is just not in the best shape,” she explained. “If they’re switching schools, they’re already going to stand out being new. Giving them new and really gently-used clothes helps them kind of blend in with what their peers are wearing and just feel good about themselves.”
Community donations are a major part of the Foster Closet’s operations. Friday evening, there is another opportunity for people to get involved.
Upper Hand Brewery is hosting its fourth Tie Dye Spectacular from 5:00 – 9:0. For $20, guests can purchase and tie dye their own T-shirt. All proceeds will benefit the U.P. Foster Closet of Delta County.
Tourangeau says if you have a heart for foster kids, the Tie Dye Spectacular is a great way to help children in need in your own community.
“Kids are our future, and if we are not supporting them when they’re in their greatest need, we’re not doing anything,” she said. “That’s what we’re here for. We’re here to help them.”
The Tie Dye Spectacular will also feature drinks, a food truck, a live band, and a photo booth bus. Click here to visit the Facebook event page.
If you’d like to support the U.P. Foster Closet of Delta County in another way, visit the organization’s Facebook page or website.
