Foster care charity clothes 5,000 kids in Georgia - here's how you can help

Bloom ClosetPhoto byBloom our youth

There are over 12,000 foster children in Georgia and only about 4,600 foster families.

Bloom Our Youth is a phenomenal charity in Atlanta you've probably never heard of. Bloom has been in business since 1986, and although they are based in Fayetteville, they help foster children all throughout the state of Georgia. Bloom is a licensed non-profit organization that helps place children in Foster homes. One of their core values is that each youth has a right to stability, security, continuity, and a plan for permanence. I think we can all agree on that. A stable home environment is paramount to growing up and becoming a responsible individual.

Bloom Our Youth closetPhoto byMalika Bowling

Bloom Our Youth ClosetPhoto byMalika Bowling

What started out as a group home for foster children in the 1980s has grown into so much more. Bloom Our Youth not only helps place foster children, they also help educate foster parents on the best way to nurture kids in the program.

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Bloom is the Bloom Closet. As you can imagine, the money allotted for the care of children doesn't go very far and kids outgrow clothes so fast. Wouldn't it be great if they didn't have to shop at thrift stores? Enter the Bloom Closet. Stores and even individuals donate new (can be gently used) clothes, school supplies, toiletries and more where kids can come and "shop" for these items like they are visiting a store. A child can pick out clothes up to 4 times a year at no charge. An appointment must be made ahead of time and proof of eligibility is required.

Bloom Closet ExpressPhoto byBloom Our Youth

Though it may not be accessible for all foster parents to take their child there, Bloom started the Bloom Closet express. This is a 20' foot truck that has been outfitted to resemble a closet so it can travel all over Georgia to where a group home is. Last year, Bloom provided over 4500 children in 90 counties with clothes and supplies.

If you have ever wanted to be involved in charity that is local, or a charity where you can see real impact, Bloom is that charity. And even if you can't volunteer or donate clothes, you can still help in other ways.

Buy something on Bloom's Amazon wish list. You can set a monthly donation up here. Think about it. For less than the cost of your gym membership or the amount you spend each month getting specialty coffee, you could help a foster child get clothed. Disclosure: no money is made from this, all gifts go to Bloom Our Youth charity.

• $10 a month can give 12 youth-aged (6-12 years old) foster children new sneakers for the year!
• $20 a month can give 24 foster children new pajamas for the year!
• $40 a month can give 48 foster children new comfort blankets for the year!
• $50 a month can give 12 foster children backpacks stocked with school supplies for the year!
• $60 a month can give 72 foster children new books for the year!
• $100 a month can provide diapers for a foster child for the year!

As you can see, there is a tremendous need for the children in our foster system in Georgia. And even a little can help. I hope you'll consider donating to this worthy cause in some way.