Without a family to support and care for them, OFA students rarely get anything in the mail other than ads and bills. Dealing with independent living, jobs, classes and exams can be very stressful for these young people.

It's amazing how much encouragement a simple care package can convey.

Three times each year, OFA partners with corporations and community groups to prepare and send care packages to thousands of students  – in September, February (Valentine’s Day) and late April.

These youth continually tell us how such gifts of support ease their loneliness and anxiety, and boost their drive to succeed in school. Here's how you can help:

• Sponsor a care package. Your donation of only $20 will fill a package with school supplies, gift cards, edible goodies, simple necessities, and fun things that college students appreciate. Packages can be sent in honor of a loved one or on behalf of your organization.
  
  
• Send a handwritten card to OFA offering words of support to a college-bound foster youth. It will be included in one of our Care Package mailings. OFA students often tell us these encouraging messages are the best ingredient in the package. Send to: OFA, Attn: Care Packages, 21351 Gentry Drive, Suite 130, Sterling, VA 20166.
  
  
• Send a book of stamps, or a gift card from a national shopping or fast food chain, or from your favorite website. OFA will include these donations in our Care Package mailings. Gift cards are a definite student favorite!
  
  
• Get others involved.  Work with members of your congregation, community group, or volunteer organization to write notes or collect Care Package items in bulk.
  
  
• Convince your company to sponsor the Care Package Program through gifts in kind or funding donations.  Remember OFA in your holiday and corporate giving plans.
  
  
• Help OFA raise public awareness about the program. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper; post a statement on your blog; tell your congregation or neighborhood group about the importance of care packages. Let your friends know about this program; spread the word among elected officials.