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No matter the season, the need never ends for children in the foster care system. Your recurring monthly donation allows us to provide ongoing support in the form of Hope Packs and most-needed items to the children, youth and teens who need it most. 

Help A Child Today!

No matter the season, the need never ends for children in the foster care system. Your donation allows us to provide ongoing support in the form of Hope Packs and most-needed items to the children, youth and teens who need it most. 

Sponsor A Child

Hope Pack is often the first thing to provide comfort to a child on what is often the worst day of his, her or their life. You can help make sure that every child who is entering the foster care system in Texas has a fresh start by sponsoring Hope Packs for babies, children and teens in care. 

Carrying Hope Programs

Carrying Hope is Changing the Narrative for Youth in Foster Care

Hair + Hope Program

The Hair + Hope program helps to fulfill the frequently neglected basic needs of African-American and biracial youths in foster care while also supporting and fully compensating stylists from predominately Black-, woman-owned salons who share their time and talent to support youths in care.

For $200, you can “sponsor a style” for a child or teen in foster care who is in need of hair-care services. Your donation includes full payment and tip for the stylist who performs the service – which typically takes 3+ hours at minimum -- as well as a hygiene kit for the child or teen in care that will include items such as a bonnet, edge comb, gel, oil, shampoo, conditioner and lotion appropriate for African-American and biracial youths in care.

Hope’s Home

Young adults who are aging out of the foster care system face a harsh reality, with one in four becoming homeless within two years of leaving care. Hope’s Home, Carrying Hope’s Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program, is an extended voluntary foster care placement for young adults ages 18-21 who have aged out of foster care. 

How to Get Involved

Find the best way to support Carrying Hope

Organize A Corporate Drive

You’re in good company! Whether it’s a 10-person packing drive in our office or a 600-employee corporate drive, there are many ways to get involved with Carrying Hope.

Attend A Carrying Hope Event

July 2023
Carrying Hope's Annual Summer Drives

The refreshing splash of cool water after that first cannonball into the swimming pool. The laughter that fills the air on unscheduled days with friends. The palpable excitement walking into a store to pick out brand-new clothes, shoes, backpacks and school supplies as summer slides into fall.
For many of us, late summer conjures sweet, unforgettable childhood memories. But for children and teens living in local shelters, group homes and treatment centers, summer can be a sad, lonely time.
That’s why, a few years ago, Carrying Hope decided to dedicate our annual summer event to children and youth in foster care by throwing them an incredible pool party crafted just for them. Each July, we get to spend a wonderful day with foster youth in both Austin and Houston, splashing, laughing and just enjoying the summer. Each child receives pizza, snacks and cake, a summer-centric Hope Pack, and a $100 gift card to use for back-to-school shopping. This year, we spoiled nearly 60 fabulous kiddos in Austin and Houston and provided them with sweet memories that we hope will last for years to come.
We are proud and grateful to be turning 6 years old, thanks to the incredible and overwhelming support of the Austin and Houston communities. Thank you for making special memories like these possible for the kids who need it most, and we hope you can join us as we do it again next summer!

Fall 2023

Houston Fall Fundraiser

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Carrying Hope Houston’s inaugural fundraiser on May 5! We had so much fun at this Cinco de Mayo-themed event raising funds to expand Carrying Hope Houston’s programming! Special thanks to White Rhino for hosting this incredible evening, and to our amazing sponsors and hardworking Houston committee!

View Event Photos

December 2023

Hope For the Holidays

From the smell of hot cocoa that wafts through the air to the shimmer of holiday lights that adorn front lawns, there’s no time quite as magical as the holidays. But for children in the foster care system who are away from everything they’ve ever known, the holidays can be stressful and lonely.

Carrying Hope has four wonderful ways that you can help make the holidays merry and bright for foster children this holiday season!

Volunteer in Austin

Volunteer in Houston

March, 2024

Hope Blooms Gala

We hope you will join us for Carrying Hope’s 6th Annual Gala, Hope Blooms, on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Springdale Station!

Purchase your tickets now and find out about our exciting sponsorship and underwriting opportunities RIGHT HERE!

Funds raised at our annual gala will enable Carrying Hope to significantly expand our reach across Texas, ensure that every child entering the foster care system arrives with a Hope Pack filled with everything he/she/they needs for the first 48 hours in care, and help us sustain our new transitional housing program for youth who are aging out of care. 

Interested in becoming a delivery driver?

Sign up to become a driver for the Austin, Houston or Central Texas area.

Sign up here!

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Gender-Inclusive Hope Packs

Carrying Hope strives to ensure that our Hope Packs contain a range of items that reflect the diversity and interests of the children we serve, including those who are part of the LGBTQ community. Want to make a gender-inclusive Hope Pack? Purchase items from our Inclusive Wishlist or swap gender-specific items for gender-neutral items in any age Hope Pack.  

Request a Hope Pack

If you are an agency or a caregiver in need of Hope Packs, we are here to help!

Make A Donation

Mission Impact

Every dollar you give to Carrying Hope will positively impact the lives of children in foster care across Texas. From helping us to purchase Hope Pack supplies to allowing us to expand our services and programming, your donations are much needed and much appreciated. 

Hope Pack Distributions YOY
  • 550 Hope Packs in 2016
  • 1200 Hope Packs in 2017
  • 1563 Hope Packs in 2018
  • 2700 Hope Packs in 2019
  • 4010 Hope Packs in 2020
  • 5000 Hope Packs in 2021
  • 6000 Hope Packs in 2022

Hope Packs Distributed to Children in Foster Care

Hope Packs Distributed Every Day in 2023

$ Spent Directly on Foster Care Children

How You Can Help

Carrying Hope is always in need of volunteers willing to help serve our mission and further our cause. From large-scale corporate events that create hundreds of Hope Packs at a time to community drives to family service projects, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved. 

Get Involved

Hope Pack is often the first thing to provide comfort to a child on what is often the worst day of his, her or their life. You can help make sure that every child who is entering the foster care system in Texas has a fresh start by sponsoring Hope Packs for babies, children and teens in care. 

Here are three of our most popular ways to help:

THE “HOPE ALL YEAR” GIFT: $600

Your gift of $600 will provide Hope Packs to more than a half-dozen children who are entering the foster care system.

THE “SIBLING HOPE” GIFT: $200

Your gift of $200 will provide Hope Packs for a sibling group that is entering the foster care system.

THE “CLASSIC HOPE” GIFT:$85

Your gift of $85 will provide 1 Hope Pack to a child who is entering the foster care system.

Sponsor A Child

No matter the season, the need never ends for children in the foster care system. Your recurring monthly donation allows us to provide ongoing support in the form of Hope Packs and most-needed items to the children, youth and teens who need it most. 

Short on time? Purchase a Hope Pack! Every pack is brimming with adorable comfort items and essentials for a child entering the foster care system, providing them with some much-needed comfort and hope in a moment of crisis.

Purchase A Hope Pack

Carrying Hope is thrilled to have a larger-than-life mascot, Hope the Hedgehog, who adores spending time with children and adults alike! You’ll frequently see her making new friends, passing out stickers and collecting Hope Pack items at Carrying Hope events. She’s also available for birthday parties, office visits and more!

Carrying Hope News

Corporate Hope Pack Event with Carrying Hope

Corporate Hope Pack Event with Carrying Hope

We had so much fun with StellarFi during a recent corporate Hope Pack event when they partnered with Carrying Hope to create 60 Hope Packs for little ones in foster care. StellarFi is a public benefit corporation, which means that being of service is at the core of...

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HOPE BLOOMS GALA 3-23-23

HOPE BLOOMS GALA 3-23-23

Check out this selection of shots captured by our amazing photographer Ross Lucksinger Photography at our sixth annual Hope Blooms Gala at Springdale Station on March 23, 2023. Our annual gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and funds raised at this year's...

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Sixth Annual Fundraising Gala: Hope Blooms

Sixth Annual Fundraising Gala: Hope Blooms

There's still time to purchase tickets or become a sponsor for Carrying Hope's 2023 fundraising gala! We are so excited about our 6th annual gala "Hope Blooms" which will take place on 3-23-23 at Springdale Station and we hope you will be a part of this magical night...

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Hope’s Home

Hope’s Home

Carrying Hope was elated and deeply humbled to host a housewarming party and ribbon cutting at Hope's Home, our new transitional housing project that will serve as a place of peace and comfort for youth who are aging out of the foster care system. We have been working...

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Hope for the Holidays Houston

Hope for the Holidays Houston

This past weekend, Carrying Hope was honored to be able to provide some extra holiday joy to 50 very deserving kiddos in foster care all across Houston. While the holidays are a magical time for many, for children in the foster care system who are away from everything...

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Hope for the Holidays High Tea

Hope for the Holidays High Tea

It's the most wonderful time of year, and we were thrilled to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon at our Holiday High Tea honoring some very deserving special guests. This year, Carrying Hope decided to treat 50 amazing children and teens in foster care from across the...

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Testimonials

“Just placed a 10-day-old baby girl. She came with absolutely nothing (not even formula) and one of the diaper bags you guys donated was a lifesaver for her and the foster family! Thank you and all the donors so much for your hard work — you are meeting a huge need!”
– Grace Kelsoe, Helping Hand Home case manager

Testimonials

“I just wanted to thank you guys for helping yesterday go more smoothly and make my kiddos feel more comfortable. The Hope Packs you guys had ready for them when they arrived were wonderful!!!”  – Bonnie Rushing, BSW, CPS Specialist IV

Testimonials

“We placed a sibling group of three this week, ages 1, 2 and 6. They didn’t come with any of their belongings and we were able to use your Hope Packs to help them feel welcome and comforted. Thank you!”  – Kristi Duck, Helping Hand Home

Testimonials

 “Hello, I am not sure what to call the wonderful bags you recently brought to our office recently for children who come into care.  We have used the gifts you gave us and I wanted to say how amazing the bags are.  They are perfect and give a sense of healing and sure hope.  It is wonderful to have this resource to take out to new children when they are coming in.  I recently went to an intake at 1:30 AM and the items in the bag were so good and needed.  I thank you so much for the care put into each bag for every child. We are honored by these gift bags and how it has helped us help children.”— Sheila Falco, Angelheart Children

Testimonials

“We recently had a newborn placed whose parents were homeless and using drugs. They didn’t have any clothes for him at the hospital and he came in the middle of the night so the foster parents were extremely grateful for a Hope Pack with bottles, diapers and clothes for a little bitty baby.”  – Grace Kelsoe, Helping Hand Home

Testimonials

“He loved the backpack full of goodies you brought for him. I know he really appreciated those things. He would sleep with the little flashlight and the cute pup.”  – A local foster mom who received a Hope Pack for a little boy placed in her home

Testimonials

“Our kids love the Hope Packs!  The foster parents and case managers say their faces light up when they get them. One little guy pulled each item out one at a time and asked, “this is mine?”.  Some if our kids have never had items that are brand new before they came into care.  We had one kid want to keep the packaging! Thanks for all you do!” – Keri Cooper, A World For Children

Testimonials

“I recently had the privilege of giving one of these bags to a young child who came to his new foster home with only the clothes he was wearing. The only toy he had from his birth home was a Ninja Turtle stick. We opened the bag, and he was so excited to find Ninja Turtle pajamas and a nightlight, Star Wars toothbrush, a car, a soft blanket and several other items, just for him!”  – Carol Strychalski, The SAFE Alliance Foster & Adopt Program

Testimonials

“Over the last 12 months I have had 11 children placed in my home. Of those children, only six came with any personal possessions at all. Of those, four had their belongings in a black trash bag. What you do is extremely important, and I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – William, foster parent

Testimonials

“On Saturday, we got a 2-year-old who was living in a tent. His parents were cooking methamphetamines, so all of his clothes had to be thrown away. We gave him a Hope Pack and he had toys and clothes and everything he needed. He especially loved a little fox stuffed animal.”  – Grace Kelsoe, Helping Hand Home

Testimonials

 “I wanted to thank you again for the Hope Pack donations you provided. They made placement really great for two of our kids. The kids were super excited to get the backs and were even more excited when they saw that there were Legos and a Batman figure in them. The child that got the Batman figure LOVES Batman, so it was extra special to him.” – Aaron Oeser, DePelchin Children’s Center Austin

Testimonials

“My son and I went shopping this morning for a 4-year-old boy. I am really proud of him. He picked out the things he liked but never asked if he could have one. And as soon as we got home, he put everything out and packed up the backpack.” – Erica Green, Hope Pack drive volunteer

Testimonials

“Receiving a Hope Pack with a child has provided our family a few extra days to just focus on the child before needing to go and pick up extra supplies. We have been blessed to be able to help and aid several children on their journey and knowing that when they arrive to our home they are accompanied by a Hope Pack full of love and comforts gives us and the child a sense that their needs will be met.” – Courtney Choffin, foster parent

Testimonials

One case manager reported that the new kids were so excited about receiving them and the kids already in the home said “Oh I loved my bag”.  As I mentioned before, one of our families got a placement in the middle of the night and then were at our office as soon as we opened so that they could give the new kids their special bag.  We are so appreciative – we sometimes have bags with some supplies but it wasn’t consistent so some kids got great stuff while other kids got very limited items so having such beautiful bags for every child consistently has been so supportive! – Keri A Cooper, LPC-S Clinical Director at A World for Children

Testimonials

“We started a partnership with Carrying Hope this year to distribute Hope Packs through our Rainbow Room and cannot say enough about how grateful we are for them. The children we serve love them and are always happy to receive their own backpack with a fun toy inside that always brings a smile to their face. Our caseworkers love them because of the ease and accessibility of them; when they are rushing to make sure a child is safe, they can quickly grab a Hope Pack knowing that it will have the items the child needs. Thank you to Carrying Hope for everything you have done for the children we serve!” –  Marcus Cantu, Partnerships for Children

Testimonials

I was able to speak with a few of our case managers about the packs. They told me about two young girls who were recently placed who received your packs (are ages 11 and 9). They came into care with very little and they were very excited about everything in their packs! The items were age appropriate and contained a variety of items the girls loved. They were especially excited about the books and nail polish. I’m certain that these packs made an impact on their ability to feel safe and cared for in their new home.  – Amanda Angell, Upbring Volunteer/Stewardship Coordinator

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