8th Annual Foster Care Christmas Fundraiser
Help Us Make Christmas Magical for Local Kids in Foster Care
Every year, our community comes together to help provide Christmas gifts for local kids in foster care.
These are real kids in our region and our goal is simple: make sure they feel remembered, valued, and cared for during the holidays.
This year, we are hosting a few events to raise money, collect donations, and give our community an easy way to be part of something meaningful.
info on our fundraiser pint night below!
Why We Started this Fundraiser in 2019
We adopted our daughter through foster care, and during her first Christmas in our home, the state sent us a check to help buy gifts. We were shocked when we realized the amount wasn't even enough to cover stocking stuffers.
We were fortunate. We were able to spoil her and make Christmas special anyway. But it got us thinking about the many foster families and children who don't have that same luxury.
We couldn't stop thinking about it.
So in 2019, we decided to do something. Our goal was simple: help provide Christmas gifts for five local kids in foster care.
What happened next was incredible.
Our community showed up.
Every year since then, more businesses, families, and individuals have joined us in making Christmas happen for these kids. What started with five children has grown into a fundraiser that will support approximately 50 children in foster care in 2026.
This fundraiser isn't really about toys or presents. It's about making sure kids who have already been through so much know they are seen, valued, and loved. It's about giving foster families a little extra support and creating moments of joy during a season that can be difficult for many children.
We're incredibly grateful for everyone who helps make this possible. Every donation, sponsorship, ticket purchase, and shared post helps us remind a child that they matter.
Events
We currently have two events planned with more opportunities to come later in the year! Please join us!
Christmas in July
The last two weeks of July. Order a special dish at Cielito Lindo and a portion of your bill will automatically be donated to the fundraiser!
2. Pint Night at Jim Dandy
Join us for drinks, dinner, a raffle and silent auction and Jim Dandy on September 30th, 2026. ALL proceeds from the raffle and silent auction go to the fundraiser, and 10% of beverage sales will be donated by Jim Dandy to the fundraiser.
Photos and Numbers from Previous Years
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2019 (First Annual): 5 Children
2020 (Second Annual): 7 Children
2021 (Third Annual): 10 Children
2022 (Fourth Annual): 20 Children
2023 (Fifth Annual): 20 Children
2024 (6th Annual): 37 Children
2025 (7th Annual): 46 Children
2026 Goal (8th Annual): 50 Children!
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We need so much help organizing and prepping, as well as shopping and more organizing before the gifts get dropped off at Pocatello’s Health and Welfare Office.
You can also help by sharing the fundraiser with friends, family, coworkers, and local businesses.
If you’d like to donate your time, shoot Jess a text at (208) 220-2446.
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All of the funds raised go directly toward purchasing Christmas Gifts and requested items for local children in foster care. We work with the local social workers via Health & Welfare to ensure each child receives gifts that are meaningful and specific to them.
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What started as a goal of helping 5 children in 2019 has grown to approximately 50 children in 2026, thanks to the incredible support of our community.
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We’d love to hear from you! Contact Jess anytime and she will be happy to answer any questions about the fundraiser, sponsorships, donations, or upcoming events.
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YES! As Christmas gets closer, we can share specific wish lists or requested items. Contact Jess directly. (208) 220-2446