Children come with a variety of needs, with the most basic being food, clothing and love.

 

Many foster children, however, arrive to their new families with very few clothing options and many times, the wrong sizes. Charlene and Joshua Stear, who have a family of two biological children, one adopted daughter, and have fostered children in the past, have experienced all sides of the Department of Health and Human Resource (DHHR) system, including children who frequently relocate, endured trauma, and the shortage of families in the foster care system.  

 

When the Stear’s recently-adopted daughter arrived, they were given a plastic bag with clothing that was either too big or too small.  When they began fostering a 2-month-old premie, they again were given a diaper bag with clothing that didn’t fit. They have known of other foster families that have faced similar issues, some arriving with only the clothing on their backs. Although they recognize that DHHR does their best, they know the agency simply doesn’t have the means or resources to be prepared for every child’s clothing requirements.

 

“People are called by God to remember children living as orphans in their sharing of resources,” said Charlene, referring to the Bible verse Deuteronomy 14:29.  “I wanted to find a way to use our ministry to help close the gap in the system.”

 

Her idea, which developed quickly into a plan, was to create a foster closet at the Clarksburg Baptist Church, where the family attends.  She first pitched the idea to a small group, then partnered with Jessica Haynes who went with her to speak with Pastor Phil Wayman and Mission Outreach Coordinator Michael Koreski. The church quickly got on board and remodeled to make room for a permanent home for the foster closet. Genesis Youth Center also donated a new washer and dryer to help with the mission.

 

“At this time, we are collecting new and like-new clothes sizes from Newborn to Youth 14/16, shoes from Newborn to Adult size 5 and toiletries. We are also looking for necessary baby supplies such as car seats and highchairs,” said Stear. “All of our clothes/shoes will be washed in dye and perfume free soap before they will be handed out to anyone. Once we have a healthy amount of these smaller sizes, we will then accept donations of adult size clothing and

shoes for older kids and teenagers.”

 

Foster families who need toiletries or clothing can text or call 304-844-0844. Those wishing to make donations can leave a message at that number or message through Facebook’s CBC Care Closet.  

 

“We want to help provide as many immediate needs as possible,” said Stear. “As a foster parent, I want to provide a stable, loving home for these children and make them feel safe and taken care of. Our foster care closet will help provide the basic needs so parents can focus on the emotional needs of the children.”