For many of the 800+ children in Delaware’s foster care system who go from home to home each year with their few belongings and little hope, discovering that there are people who are aware of them and care to do nice things for them can be a life-altering revelation.

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Christiana Rotary Club’s Delaware Children First Fund Program, formerly called  “The TOUCH Program” (Transform One Unique Child’s Heart), has been doing that for hundreds of foster care children each year since 2004. The program provides a happy Christmas time by fulfilling their personal holiday list of clothes and toys, and also in late summer by providing back-to-school clothes and supplies. The program has also begun funding a need-based college scholarship for a qualified student who is leaving foster care to begin reaching for a career.

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The goal is to ensure that every foster child knows they are loved and supported by the community. These children are our future friends, neighbors and community leaders. Having a healthy and caring childhood is important to their development.

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In cooperation with the State of Delaware and CASA
The children served range in age from 18 months to 18 years. Christiana Rotary works with The Delaware Office of the Child Advocate and also CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, to identify the needs of each child. A typical holiday list might include a winter coat, scarf and gloves, underwear, a new dress, and a doll. Back-to-school needs for clothing and supplies are fulfilled as well. Rotary members raise the needed funds, work with local merchants and organize shopping groups to purchase the gifts.

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Funds for this program are raised through donations to the Christiana Rotary Club’s non-profit foundation. 100% of the funds received go to the purchase of gifts or scholarships.

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What can you do to help?

• Make a monetary donation right here on our website. (need link to donation page)

• If you are a vendor, please consider “special pricing” to maximize purchasing power.

• Join our Rotary club or assist on one of the shopping trips and experience the good feeling of helping.