HOLIDAY WISHES
It’s officially November, which means the holidays will be here before we know it! Last year, our director shared a heartfelt message about how foster parents can support their teens as they navigate the holiday season away from their families. For many of our youth, this time of year can evoke a mix of joy, nostalgia, and complex emotions. At YCP, we’re committed to doing everything possible to make the season feel welcoming, comforting, and a place where everyone belongs.
In October 2024, there were approximately 2,126 children in foster care in Orange County and more than 13,000 in Los Angeles County. Behind each of those numbers is a young person facing the holidays without the stability of a permanent home or family traditions of their own. For them, something as simple as a decorated tree or a shared meal can make a profound difference in how they feel seen, valued, and cared for.
That’s why this year we’re inviting YOU to help decorate our YCP dorms for the holidays!
Your support will bring warmth and festive cheer to the spaces our youth call home. This will launch a new Quarterly Wish List, where we’ll share specific items that can make a meaningful difference for our dorms, foster youth, and foster parents.
Our Amazon Wish List features holiday essentials, including Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, table decorations, games, and more. Every item you contribute helps our dorm staff create a joyful, home-like atmosphere for youth spending the holidays away from their own families.
The link will be live from November 6th, 2025 - December 15, 2025. Any contribution you make is tax-deductible and will go towards years of holiday magic for youth at YCP. Then, stay tuned in the new year for another list of ways to give back to teens in foster care!
Together, we can make this season brighter and remind our young people that they are surrounded by a community that cares.
Written by: Hannah Adkison