When a child is removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, they often leave with little to nothing in their arms. In many cases, it is BEAR that provides that child’s first clean outfit, their first toothbrush, or a stuffed animal to hold onto during a time of deep uncertainty. These small but powerful moments matter. They offer comfort, dignity, and a sense that someone cares.
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and at BEAR, we are using this time to remind our community that every child in foster care deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. With your help, we can continue to serve the thousands of children involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) in the Greater Houston area.
Here are five meaningful ways you can make an impact this month.
1. Donate Essentials to Children in Foster Care
Every year, BEAR provides critical resources to thousands of children through our BEAR Necessities program. These items include new clothing, diapers, hygiene kits, and comfort items for kids who often enter care with nothing.
You can help by donating directly or shopping our Amazon Wishlist. Items are shipped straight to BEAR’s warehouse and go directly into the hands of children in need.
Most requested items include:
• Diapers and wipes
• Pajamas and new clothes for all ages
• Shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes
• Backpacks and school supplies
2. Volunteer Your Time in Houston
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities in Houston, BEAR is a great place to start. Volunteers help sort donations, assemble care packages, prepare for seasonal drives, and support events throughout the year.
Volunteering is a great way to give back and make a hands-on impact in the life of a child.
3. Support BEAR’s Core Programs
BEAR operates four key programs that meet children at different stages of their journey in foster care:
• BEAR Necessities provides emergency items like clothing and hygiene kits.
• BEARing Gifts fulfills holiday wish lists for children who would otherwise go without.
• BEAR Back to School ensures children start the school year with new backpacks and supplies.
• The Heart Gallery of Greater Houston raises adoption awareness for children waiting to find their forever family.
When you support any of these programs, you help create moments of comfort and joy during times of stress and uncertainty.
4. Raise Awareness in Your Community
You can make a difference simply by sharing our mission. Spread the word about BEAR, repost Heart Gallery profiles, or talk to your workplace, school, or church about hosting a supply drive.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @bearesourcehouston and tag us when you share. Awareness leads to action, and every voice helps.
5. Become a Monthly Donor
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to help is by becoming a monthly donor. Recurring gifts help BEAR plan ahead and ensure we are ready to respond when children need us most.
Even a gift of $25 a month can provide consistent support like school supplies, a warm blanket, or hygiene items for a child entering care.
