In addition to requesting gifts during the holiday season, children in foster care are eligible for the Coalition’s year-round Little Wishes program. Little Wishes provide fun, enriching experiences that build skills, create a sense of belonging, celebrate important milestones, and make lifelong memories! In 2025, the generosity of our community made more than 4,500 wishes come true. Wow!
We recently heard from several of our kids whose Little Wishes were granted last year.
Middle school student, Karter, wanted to join band. His foster parent said, “It was such a great help that Little Wishes purchased a trumpet for Karter. Band has been a very positive experience. His band got to perform at a baseball stadium and he still talks about how exciting it was!
Serena asked for gymnastics lessons. “Gymnastics is the highlight of Serena’s week,” said her caregiver. “She loves being active and she lights up every time she talks about gymnastics. She is always looking for ways to practice at home so she can improve.”
High schooler, Arielle, has found a community with the color guard at her high school, but the cost of traveling with the team to tournaments was prohibitive. Her Little Wish was for help covering the costs. “Color guard gives her an outlet to show off her creativity through the dances and Arielle spends a lot of time practicing so she can be the best that she can be during performances,” said her foster parent.
The D.J. Welch Little Wishes Program was endowed by Jim Welch in honor of his late wife, D.J. Welch. D.J. was one of the Coalition’s earliest and most enthusiastic Little Wish donors. We are thankful that Jim continues to honor her memory by continuing to support Little Wishes, and for each and every one of our donors who choose to grant Little Wishes!