Closet of Hope, a Summerville, South Carolina nonprofit, supports foster families by providing free clothing, shoes, toys, and essentials to help children transition into new homes during the holidays and beyond. Alyssa Blitch, the organization’s chief operating officer and experienced foster parent, highlights how the season amplifies emotional challenges for these children, who often face trauma and family separation.​
Organization Mission
Closet of Hope equips foster, kinship, and adoptive families with necessities like toiletries and holiday items to ensure dignity amid sudden placements. The group has served thousands, addressing South Carolina’s foster care needs where 3,476 children were in care statewide in June 2025, including 707 in the Lowcountry.​
Foster Care Challenges
Holiday pressures intensify for foster parents planning amid uncertainty, as family sizes can shift rapidly from six to ten children. Blitch notes that many kids experience their first Christmas traditions while grappling with past traumas that follow them through their journey.​
Impact and Support
Nonprofits like Closet of Hope ease burdens by offering immediate resources, allowing families to focus on stability rather than logistics. Long-term rewards include witnessing foster children’s successes, such as graduations, affirming the value of consistent care. South Carolina continues facing foster home shortages, underscoring the need for community involvement.​
