Every child deserves to feel celebrated on their birthday. The balloons. The cake. The excitement of blowing out candles. A gift wrapped just for them. The simple but powerful reminder: you matter here. But for many children in foster care, special milestones may be missed or forgotten in seasons of chaos and crisis.
Sometimes children come into care carrying everything they own in a trash bag. Sometimes they arrive scared, overwhelmed, grieving, and unsure of what comes next.
That’s why small moments of celebration matter so much.
Recently, Sammy and his sister Melanie arrived at their new foster home late at night after their family experienced a crisis. He was exhausted and frightened. Thankfully, the siblings were able to stay together — something not every sibling group gets to experience due to the shortage of foster homes.
After the children had fallen asleep, foster mom Kenzie looked through the paperwork on the table and noticed something heartbreaking: the next day was Sammy’s fifth birthday.
But there were no presents waiting. No party. No plans for cake or candles. Kenzie knew one thing for certain: this little boy would not have a forgotten birthday. So, Kenzie rallied her village and her people stepped in.
Kenzie’s daughter helped create decorations. A neighbor baked a cake. Friends dropped off gifts. What could have been another painful memory instead became a celebration. And for one little boy navigating enormous uncertainty, that birthday became a reminder that he was seen, valued, and deeply cared for.
For children who have experienced trauma, these moments matter more than many people realize. Because every child deserves dignity, joy, and care — especially during difficult seasons.
Right now, across the Midlands, hundreds of children are in foster care waiting for safe, supportive homes and caring communities. There are currently 1,119 children in foster care from the Midlands and a need for 554 additional foster homes. In Richland County alone, 479 children are in foster care.
These are not just numbers. These are our neighbors. Children sitting in our kids’ classrooms, playing on local playgrounds, sitting in our church pews.
And they need a village.
Foster Care Is About Supporting Families and Creating Stability for Children
One of the most important things to know about foster care is this: the goal is reunification whenever safely possible. Foster parents are not replacing biological families. They are caring for children temporarily while parents and families work toward healing, restoration, and stability. That means foster care is deeply rooted in compassion — not judgment.
It is about showing up for children in moments of uncertainty while also honoring the hope of family healing. It is about helping children feel safe, loved, and supported while parents navigate difficult circumstances. And often, the smallest acts of care become the moments children remember forever.
A birthday cake.
A bedtime story.
A gift chosen just for them.
No Child Should Have a Forgotten Birthday
The truth is, there are many ways to support children in foster care – even if you cannot foster right now. Across South Carolina, churches, neighbors, local businesses, and community members are stepping in to help children feel celebrated and cared for.
Legacy City Church annually creates birthday celebration kits for children in foster care — each one filled with decorations, party supplies, and thoughtful items to help make birthdays special at a moment’s notice.
Belmont Farm has lovingly baked and delivered birthday cakes to children living in Thornwell’s Attachment-Based Residential Program so every child gets to celebrate their special day.
Even children are finding ways to care for other children. For his eighth birthday, a young boy named McGregor asked friends to bring toys and clothing donations for Thornwell’s children instead of gifts for himself.
You Do Not Have to Do This Alone
Many families in the Midlands feel drawn toward foster care but wonder whether they are truly prepared.
Do we have enough room?
What if we get it wrong?
What if our lives already feel busy?
At Thornwell, foster families receive ongoing support, training, encouragement, and guidance every step of the way. Families are equipped with trauma-informed tools and connected to a wider community of support because foster care works best when caregivers themselves are cared for too.
You Can Be Part of the Village
Small acts of care create stronger communities for children. And sometimes changing a child’s story starts with something as simple as making sure they never experience another forgotten birthday.
You can:
- Become a foster parent
- Learn more about Thornwell’s Foster Care Village that keeps siblings together
- Support local foster families with meals, encouragement, or practical help
- Donate birthday supplies, gift cards, or essentials for children entering care
- Pray for children, biological families, and caregivers
