Far too many children entering the foster care system come with only the clothing on their backs. They do not have the everyday essentials they need to live safe, healthy lives, those necessities that most of us do not even think about and tend to take for granted.

With this challenge in mind, the Port Arthur Sertoma Club has selected Texas Family Care Network, a division of Pressley Ridge Texas, as the recipient of its 2024 Sertoma Club Grant. The funds from the donation will go to stock essentials that can be accessed by caseworkers.

The Sunshine Room is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-run organization that helps administer all donations, both monetary and donated, to keep supplies stocked on a 24/7 basis for social workers. Serving children of all ages, including infants, essentials provided include but are not limited to hygiene necessities, diapers, clothing, car seats and other safety equipment.

Club member Bert Black explained that Region 5 of the Texas Foster Care System was recently privatized, starting with placement and going beyond. This meant that Texas Family Care Network had to start fresh in establishing local services after much of the existing system stayed with the state-administered Texas Child Protective Services.

“This donation was a great help in stocking these supplies,” Black noted.

The donation was presented to Sunshine Room President Magan Allbritton during a special January meeting that also featured a special presentation from Heart Gallery’s Brandy Wagner. Heart Galleries work across the state to find positive permanency for Texas Children.

To learn more about the Port Arthur Sertoma Club, follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/PortArthur.Sertoma.