Response has been slow so far to a new effort to stock everyday items that will be immediately available to foster families in Marion County when they take in children in need.
Kathi Selman, who is coordinating the effort called Haven of Hope through Columbia Strong, said she’s only had one group volunteer sign up to provide an item so far and is “needing to set a fire in this community.”
“We have kids here in Marion County who have no running water, no food, no shelter. The least we can do is keep up a size 1 diaper,” she told the Columbia Rotary Club Tuesday.
That’s the kind of merchandize they’re looking to keep, as well as clothing of all sizes from babies to teenagers, bottles, pacifiers, blankets and hygiene items. When a group like a club or Sunday School volunteers, Selman will assign them to provide one particular item to keep in stock. That way they are not overwhelmed with one particular thing.
Items will be stored in the Junior Auxiliary-owned home across from Columbia Elementary, and foster parents can go there to get things as the need arises.
Selman cited a recent case where four children were found living in a car on the side of the road with no clothes or underwear. In a personal case, she accepted a newborn foster baby at 1:30 in the morning and had no diapers or clothes on hand.
The drug epidemic has caused a crisis in the foster care system throughout the state, and Columbia has been particularly hard hit. Selman, a foster mom herself, said the number of foster children in the county is down to about 160 after being over 200 last year, but she said it’s creeping back up as drug use is on the rise.
Haven of Hope is only accepting new items right now but would eventually like to have a used clothing closet where foster children can shop for themselves.
A list of all the items needed is available on the Haven of Hope Facebook page.
They’re also in need of storage boxes right now as they get the project off the ground.
She said First Baptist Church will be hosting a baby shower for foster children the last Wednesday night in February.
“We are desperate here in Marion County because we have so many children coming through the system. They’re worth your time; they’re worth your money; they’re worth your love,” Selman said.
