COLLIER COUNTY, Fl. — Hundreds of foster children and their families recieved things they’ll need for this upcoming school year for free. Everything from backpacks, shoes, matresses, and uniforms were given away at the second annual back to school fair by Foster Children Forever.

It was an emotional time for Ada Molina, who takes care of several foster children. “I wanna’ cry but I’m not gonna cry. I do appreciate everything I can get because it’s hard for us.”

Jane Billings is the Executive Director of Foster Children Forever. “These children, they’re removed from their homes and unfortunately their moved from home to home several times. Sometimes they take nothing with them but what they’re wearing.”

Judges have decided these children should no longer be taken care of by their parents. In Collier county, the primary cause is substance abuse. “Many times these caregivers, they’re opening up their hearts and their homes to take these children in and they’re struggling already,” Billings says.

The Naples Children & Education Foundation raised 12 million dollars, which supplies everything that’s available to the kids. “To actually be able to come out and see the children and see their faces and everyone that we’re able to help, this is the best part of the job,” said Sarah Zaiser, of the Naples Children and Education Foundation. …read more