Amarillo Angels looking for Love Box volunteers

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — With 65 families on the waiting list for the Love Box program, there is a need for program volunteers. The Love Box program builds community and provides radical support for foster families through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.

“That is roughly 165 kids that are just looking for someone to meet with them once a month, hang out with them, or maybe show up for sporting events or extracurriculars at school,” Cali Clark, Amarillo Angels program development manager, said. “It’s just that extra layer of support of ‘hey, I had a hard day. Can I talk to you?'”

According to Gwen Hicks, Amarillo Angels executive director, volunteers with Amarillo Angels are able to build a relationship with foster families by loving and supporting them.

“We have over 60 families in our area who say they want the support of the community, desire the support of the community, and need the support of the community,” Hicks said. “All we need now are volunteers to say yes. And if that is not where you want to fit in, by all means, we could always use your financial donations to support those who are on our waitlist. Every dollar given goes directly to support the children, youth, and families who are experiencing foster care in our area.”

Clark said that, as a former foster parent, she has experienced the uniqueness of the Love Box program and how it doesn’t just focus on the child and care.

“They support the whole family,” she said. “Regardless of what anyone says, it does affect the whole family. You are bringing this child into your home and learning about them and their behaviors. Learning how to bring that into your home and manage that is difficult sometimes. It’s nice that not only is the child getting the care that they need, but sometimes the adults are getting the care that they need. It’s hard, it’s very emotionally taxing, and just having someone to call or listen to you when times get hard is a game changer. I can’t even begin to explain that.”

According to Clark, the qualifications to become a Love Box volunteer are that you have to be over 21, pass a background check, and complete the CPS requirements.

To learn more about how to become a Love Box volunteer, visit the Amarillo Angels’ website .

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