When thinking about the global orphan crisis, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the staggering numbers and statistics about the amount of vulnerable children there are in the world. Still, every effort made toward caring for orphans is both important and impactful. In the words of Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the orphaned and underprivileged: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

A good place to begin is by researching the local foster care system in your area. Reach out and inquire about ways to become involved with the work they are already doing for waiting children. Here are five suggestions from Show Hope on how to help care for children in your community:

 

• Tutoring is a way for struggling students to receive additional academic support, which is especially appreciated in the midst of a transition.

 

• Mentoring can also help a child earn better grades and improve their relationships with family members and friends. Children at every age want to feel supported and have someone in their life who cares for them in an intentional way.

 

• Becoming an advocate is more of a long-term commitment involving a 30-hour pre-service training course, but it is such a worthwhile endeavor. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer acts as a proponent for the best interests of orphaned and neglected children, gathering information to determine what will be the best permanent home for them. To learn more, visit http://www.casaforchildren.org/.

 

• If you have skills in the realm of photography or videography, you can offer your services free of charge. Adoption agencies are often in need of high-quality photos and videos of children to be shared with prospective families, but lack the resources to do so. Your contribution could go a long way in helping children in foster care!

 

• Children in foster care generally have little to call their own, and remain in need of clothing, school supplies, and more. Donations of money or specific items would be much appreciated. Alternatively, organizing a fundraiser or donation drive to benefit children in foster care would be so helpful as well!

 

There are so many ways to use your unique gifts and talents to care for vulnerable children in your community! If you would like to learn more about the foster care system, download Show Hope’s FREE guide to foster care by clicking here.

 

Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know by commenting below!