A blanket drive is going on now through Valentine’s Day in Morehead. The annual drive will benefit kids in the region who are placed in foster care. The Morehead StepStone Family and Youth Services office currently fosters 84 children in Rowan and surrounding counties.
Hannah Howell, licensing specialist for StepStone said when kids come through the system, they often have nothing of their own. That’s why blanket drives are so important.
“I do three locations. It goes until February 14 and we just help provide love and comfort to our underprivileged foster youth. People can go to each of these locations until the 14th and drop off just some blankets so we can get them to their kids,” said Howell.
Stepstone accepts more than just blankets as hygiene products, suitcases, and other items are also needed. Donation boxes are set up at the Rowan County Public Library, The Fuzzy Duck, and Holbrook Drug in Morehead.
Howell said the organization provides therapy and comfort care to the youth, but there are some challenges.
“The behaviors of the children are so severe that sometimes they can’t be placed, or some homes won’t accept them. And that’s a big thing going on right now in our region and in our complete state,” said Howell.
When behavior issues are not a concern, Howell reports the region is well populated with foster homes. More information on blanket drives and other StepStone services can be found at stepstoneyouth.com.