Least of These Carolinas

Every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and cared for. But for many kids in the foster care system, their lives are filled with uncertainty and transitions💔. That’s why Wishlist Wednesday is so important 📣.

Each week, we share an Amazon wishlist filled with items that may seem small but can make a huge difference for a child in foster care. 🌟

A new backpack to call their own 🎒. A cozy stuffed animal 🧸 to snuggle at night. Art supplies 🎨 to spark creativity and joy.

When you purchase an item off our wishlist, you’re doing more than just buying a material possession. You’re letting a child know they matter 🩵. That someone cares about their hopes, their needs, their happiness.

The items get packed into a “Bag of Hope” 👝- a duffle bag personalized for each child entering foster care. It’s likely the only belongings they can truly call their own during an incredibly difficult time.

So please, take a moment this Wishlist Wednesday to spread some hope💫. Your small act of kindness today can have a lasting impact on a child’s tomorrow☀️. Together, we can remind our community’s most vulnerable that they are loved, seen, and valued 🙏.

Inspired by greatness! ✨ We welcomed Bishop WC Martin from Possum Trot, Texas to our office.

This incredible man of faith along with his wife and church answered God’s call by adopting 77 of the hardest-to-place foster children, transforming lives in one of Texas’ poorest areas.

His story of love and dedication deeply resonates with our mission at Least of These Carolinas. Honored to share our work with Bishop Martin and call him a friend. His example reminds us that with faith and compassion, we can move mountains. ⛰️

If you want to see more of his story? Head to the theaters to see Sound of Hope 🎥. Click the link in our bio for showtimes. When you purchase through our link, a portion of the proceeds gets donated back to LOTC.

Raise your hand if you're from Haywood County! ✋

We need you on August 4th! Calvary Road Baptist Church is hosting Shoes of Hope and we need volunteers! Click the link below for more details.

https://lotcarolinas.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2245935

A new pair of shoes 👟 can make all the difference in the world to a child entering a new school year. Help change the way children in foster care experience Back-to-School!

Calling all hairstylists! 💇‍♀️✂️ We need your talent for our Shoes of Hope event on July 30-31 in Gastonia!

Help boost the confidence of kids in foster care as they head back to school with fresh cuts and styles. Volunteer your skills for a day (or two!) and make a lasting impact.

DM us or comment below to join our amazing team of volunteers. Together, we can make every child feel special! ❤

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our dear friend and dedicated volunteer, Charmaine. As the beloved wife of our Board member, Jim Gallagher, Charmaine's presence brightened every event and touched countless lives. Her tireless commitment to our cause and her warm spirit will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time. Charmaine's legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, dear friend. 💔🕯️

Don't miss this! ⬇️

You have the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of children in foster and kinship care. ✨ Volunteer for Shoes of Hope and watch the light SHINE as they put on their brand new shoes! 👟

July 30th-31st in our office (Gastonia, NC)
Click the link below to sign up today before the spots are full!

https://lotcarolinas.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/category/68731

Thanks for having us and for always being an advocate for the foster care community!

Y’all go listen! 🎙️

Bridging the Gap: Foster Care Solutions with Susanna Kavanaugh In this insightful episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Susanna Kavanaugh, the Executive Director of Least of These Carolinas. Located in Gaston Count...

🏠❤ Help Make a Difference for Foster Kids! 🧼✨

We need YOUR help to keep our Hummingbird Houses ready for children in foster care!

What are Hummingbird Houses?
Safe, comfortable homes where kids can stay with their social worker while waiting for a foster placement, instead of spending nights in DSS offices.

🚨We're seeking flexible volunteers to help clean our houses in Belmont and Dallas, NC on short notice. 🚨

Requirements:
✨ Available on an as-needed basis
✨ Willing to respond quickly
✨ Passionate about helping foster kids

Your time can make a huge impact! Every clean home means a child has a safe, welcoming place to stay during a challenging time.

Interested? 📧 Email [email protected].

🌟 : Fun & Games for Every Child 🎨🏀

Did you know that kids in foster care often miss out on new toys and activities? It's time to change that! At Least of These Carolinas, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and loved - and that includes having access to fun, engaging toys they're actually interested in!

This week, we're filling our Bags of Hope with activities for all ages:
🎭 Barbies representing all skin tones
⚽️ Soccer balls
🏈 Footballs
💨 Ball pumps
🧱 Lego sets

These aren't just toys - they're tools for imagination, development, and joy. By gifting these items, you're telling a child in foster care: "You matter. Your interests matter. You deserve fun and creativity in your life."

Ready to make a difference? Click the link below to shop our Amazon wishlist. Every purchase goes directly to a child who needs a little extra love and attention.
Let's show these amazing kids that they're not forgotten. They're cherished. 💖

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2ZVEKU8V298VR?ref=gr_search_page_result

Thank you to The Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation for your generous $10,000 grant to our Bags of Hope Program ❤

Your support will help restore dignity and a sense of normalcy to children affected by foster care, making a meaningful difference in their lives. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in brighter futures for children in our community.

Another incredible month supporting children in foster care across the Carolinas! ❤

These numbers represent so much more than material items. They show these children that they are valued, celebrated and not forgotten. ✨ Growing up in foster care can be an isolating experience, but your support lets them know their community cares!

Every child deserves to feel loves. supported and empowered to pursue their dreams. Thank you to all who make our mission possible through donations, volunteering and advocacy. Together, we can create a brighter future for the most vulnerable youth. ❤

These years are filled with changes and challenges, meaning each child needs support from their community. ❤

You can be someone who makes a positive ✨ impact during a difficult time in their lives! Like and share this post to spread awareness about the realities of foster care or become a monthly donor and actively participate in changing the way children experience foster care.

Go to www.lotcarolinas.com to donate today! No amount is too small in the eyes of these kids. ❤

🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔

Summer is in full swing but that doesn't mean Bags of Hope is taking a break. This wishlist Wednesday we are in need of SUMMER CLOTHES! ☀️

We've made summer shopping even easier for you! Click the link in our bio to shop our Amazon wishlist and have the items shipped directly to our office. Below are the specific sizes we are low on.

Help change the way children in foster care experience the summer! ✨

SIZES NEEDED:
❤ boys' shorts - small
❤ boys' shirts - 10/12 and 14/16
❤ girls' shorts - 6, 8, 12
❤ girls' shirts - 6 and 14/16
❤ teen boys' shirts - men's small, medium, large
❤ teen girls' shorts - women's medium and large
teen girls' shirts - women's small and medium

Social workers are working with severely neglected, abused, and traumatized children on a daily basis. 💔 This is overwhelming and can lead to secondary trauma. They need encouragement as they are serving the vulnerable children in our community! ✨

Socialight is a volunteer program focused on providing support to social workers in Gaston County. You can sign up to be a Socialight and send monthly encouragement to a front line hero! ✨ Sending a card, text, prayer, phone call, or small gift to the social worker you are paired with will have a meaningful impact on their lives and help them keep serving our kids! ❤ This simple act of kindness can make a world of difference!

Be a light in a social worker's life by clicking the link in our bio or by visiting our website at www.lotcarolinas.com to sign up!

Happy Birthday to our incredible Executive Director, Susanna Kavanaugh! 🎉

Your leadership, vision, and dedication continue to inspire us all. Thank you for guiding our organization with wisdom and compassion. ✨

We hope your day is filled with joy and celebration! Here's to another year of success and positive impact under your guidance!

Susanna Owens Kavanaugh

Our Bags of Hope aim to bring dignity and normalcy back into the lives of children in foster care. You can help end the trash bag problem by donating to Wishlist Wednesday 🛒 This week we are in need of socks, underwear and baby wipes.

🧦Socks:
Girls Medium and Large
Boys Small, Medium and Large
Women's All Sizes

🩲Underwear:
Girls 6 and 12
Boys 10 and 14/16
Women's XS, Small and Large

👶Any Baby Wipes

These essentials help bring comfort and joy to our most vulnerable children. Shop the link in our bio and have items shipped directly to our office or shop local and drop them off at our office.

Drop a ❤ in the comments if you agree that KIDS ARE NOT TRASH!

How does Socialight work?

Well, it’s pretty simple.

Social workers sign up. Volunteers sign up to be Socialights.
We match you.
Then at least once a month Socialights reach out to their social worker with support.

We started this program with about 48 social worker sign ups. We want to get them all matched and we are SO close!

If you can give a few minutes or more a month to encourage a social worker through a note, text, sending a sweet treat or something small, we would love to match you!

Visit the link in our bio to sign up to love on these child welfare heroes.

Wishlist Wednesday is BACK! 🙌

This week is all about our Amazon Wishlist. With all the Bags of Hope we’ve created, that side of our building hurting tremendously.

Items are being pulled faster than they are being replaced 😱

As you’re shopping for the holidays, consider throwing a few items from our wishlist into your cart. 🛍️

Comment WISHLIST for a direct link to our Amazon Wishlist.

You can bring items to our office or have them shipped directly!

We are so thankful for you and your hearts to serve this community! Thank you for joining us for 12 Hours of Christmas!!

This weekend, Magellan employees and their spouses had the privilege of spreading holiday joy at ‘12 hours of Christmas’ hosted by nonprofit organization, Least of These Carolinas. We’re honored to be part of this event, supporting foster children and their families during the Holidays.

We can’t wait for Hometown Christmas next weekend! Thank you Mosaic Hope and 2nd Baptist Church Rutherfordton for getting us ready!

Today we collected the gifts from those who sponsored kids for Least of These Carolinas Hometown Christmas!!! 112 kids were sponsored by this amazing community!!! THANK YOU!!!

______________

Since today was a busy day…Emily will be sharing our Weekly Mosaic Update tomorrow. So stay tuned!!