The holiday season has ended, but the impact of generosity does not stop when the decorations come down.  

For children and youth in foster care, the weeks after the holidays can be just as important as the season itself. While others return to routines and family traditions, many young people in care face uncertainty and big emotions. They continue to navigate transitions. That is why community support matters long after the last gift is opened.  

This year, Raise the Future’s Sub for Santa efforts brought moments of joy, comfort, and connection to 500 children who needed it most. Our partners, donors, and volunteers made this possible. Because of their generosity, young people were reminded that they are not forgotten and that people care about their well-being.  

What inspires us is how many ways generosity appears. Support does not come from just one place or one type of person. It comes from individuals and organizations who share the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.  

This season, one donor shared a message that deeply moved us. Their simple hope was that every child touched by this effort would know they are seen and cared for. That sentiment reflects the heart of our work at Raise the Future. Even small acts of kindness can carry real meaning for young people who are working through complex experiences.   

Through our partnership with My Story Matters, we were able to extend that sense of care even further. When participants in My Story Matters’ Justice‑Involved program decided they wanted to give back to their community by supporting youth in foster care during the holidays, My Story Matters President Amy Chandler knew that Raise the Future would be a natural fit. With their support, Raise the Future made our youth’s holiday season even brighter. Partnerships like this strengthen the network of support around youth and remind us that meaningful change happens when organizations collaborate with shared purpose. And that no matter the capacity to give, there are ways to make an impact.  

At Raise the Future, our work does not begin and end with the holidays. Every day, we focus on helping children and youth in foster care build lifelong connections, find stability, and experience a sense of belonging. While seasonal giving creates powerful moments, long-term impact is built through consistency, relationships, and continued community involvement.  

As the new year continues, we remain committed to expanding access to permanency. We focus on strengthening support systems and ensuring that young people in care feel supported in every season of their lives.  

The holidays may be over, but the work continues. And because of our community, so does hope.  

If you would like to learn more about getting involved or supporting Raise the Future year-round, explore our site here to see how your support makes a difference.