Florence Education and Training FCCLA Brings Birthday Joy to Children in Foster Care

Members of the Florence Education and Training FCCLA Chapter in Alabama are making sure children in foster care feel valued, seen, and celebrated, especially on their birthdays.

After researching community needs and speaking directly with local foster parents, chapter members learned that many children in foster care often miss out on birthday traditions and the joy of being recognized on their special day. Determined to respond with purpose, they launched Kits of Kindness, a service initiative designed to support the emotional and mental well-being of foster youth through simple, meaningful celebration.

Using the Community Service National Program and the FCCLA Planning Process, members built a community-wide effort to gather supplies and raise support. They organized a school-wide volleyball tournament, partnered with a local business for a giveback night, and invited teachers, families, and community members to contribute donations. The project quickly became a shared mission, uniting the school and community around one goal: helping foster children feel remembered and honored.

Through their coordinated efforts, the chapter assembled 40 birthday kits, each filled with cake mix, frosting, candles, decorations, and personalized cards created by members. Every kit was thoughtfully prepared to bring warmth, encouragement, and a sense of belonging to children who deserve moments of joy.

Through Kits of Kindness, the Florence Education and Training Chapter demonstrated how FCCLA service projects can meet real community needs while building leadership, collaboration, and compassion; creating lasting impact one birthday at a time.