Little Things Make Big Things Happen for Youth in Foster Care

Treehouse Calls on Community to Support Youth in Foster Care

WASHINGTON STATE – As the holiday season draws near, Treehouse, Washington’s leading nonprofit supporting the educational, material, and financial needs of youth in foster care, is calling on community members to come together and make a lasting impact. Whether by hosting a fundraiser drive, purchasing gifts from our wish list, volunteering, or making a financial contribution, everyone has the power to change the lives of young people in foster care.

This year’s campaign, “Little Things Make Big Things Happen,” highlights how every contribution—no matter the size—makes a difference. From hosting a donation drive to making a monetary gift, each effort adds up to a collective impact that transforms lives.

Why Your Support Matters

For young people in foster care, the holiday season is a difficult reminder of the instability they face. Frequent moves, disrupted education, and limited resources often overshadow the magic of the season. That’s where Treehouse steps in, ensuring these young people have the support they need to thrive.

Through programs that focus on material support, navigating the education system, and personal development, Treehouse supports youth as they work to overcome the challenges of foster care, guiding them toward academic success and independence.

“The little things we do—whether it’s a Treehouse Education Specialist checking in on a student’s grades, a workplace hosting a clothing drive, or a volunteer helping in our Seattle store—all contribute to creating a brighter future for our young people,” said Dawn Rains, CEO of Treehouse. “It’s these small, individual acts of kindness that add up to big changes in the lives of youth in foster care receiving Treehouse’s support.”

Real Impact from Last Year’s Holiday Campaign

Here’s what caregivers and foster families had to say about the support they received during the 2023 holiday season:

“Treehouse always made me feel like somebody cared.”
“As a foster family for the past 10 years, Treehouse has always helped us provide an extra-special gift for the children in our care without making it less magical for our own children.”
“Thanks to Treehouse, our foster daughter will receive something we otherwise could not have afforded to give her.”

How You Can Help

This holiday season, there are several ways you can make a difference:

Host a fundraiser drive. Ensure our resource store stays stocked with essential goods! The Treehouse Store, our free resource store that operates year-round, provides high quality clothing, toys, books, and more to youth in foster care. Rally your workplace, community group, or friends and family to collect essential items or raise funds to support Treehouse year-round. For details, visit treehouseforkids.org/drives.

Make a financial contribution. Your financial support makes Treehouse’s work possible. Every dollar helps youth in foster care receive the resources and support they need to succeed. To donate, visit www.treehouseforkids.org/donate.
Purchase from our wish list. If you’re unable to host a drive, you can still make a direct impact by purchasing our most-needed items. View our wish list at www.treehouseforkids.org/wishlist.
Volunteer. Give your time and talent to support youth in foster care, whether that’s shopping online orders in the Treehouse Store or holding an information session for young people considering your career for their future. Volunteer opportunities are available year-round. Visit www.treehouseforkids.org/volunteer for more information.

About Treehouse

Treehouse creates opportunities for young people in foster care to thrive. We directly support and work alongside thousands of youth in foster care in Washington state as well as their caregivers, educators, school administrators and social workers to ensure each youth has individualized plans and support. Through direct programs and advocacy work, Treehouse is uniquely positioned to close the opportunity gap and positively change the outcomes of youth who have experienced foster care.

Media Contact:

Katie Adams | pr@treehouseforkids.org
206-371-2288