Christmas for Kids in Care

Because every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas.

Imagine this…

For most children, Christmas is a time of joy, wonder, and wide-eyed excitement. It’s the feeling of waking up to something special under the tree, of being thought of, of being loved.

But for children in out-of-home care, Christmas can be a painful reminder of everything they’ve lost, their home, their family, and the familiar holiday traditions many of us take for granted.

At A Better Life For Foster Kids, we believe that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves to feel the magic of Christmas. That’s why each year, we run a Christmas Gift Program to make sure children in care have something to open, something just for them, something that says: you are not forgotten.

How It Works

Each year, in the lead-up to Christmas, we open our arms and our gift list to children in foster and kinship care across Victoria.

Carers and caseworkers can request gifts for the children they support by completing our Christmas Gift Request Form. Every request helps us understand each child’s age, interests, and needs, so we can do our best to match them with a gift that feels personal, thoughtful, and full of joy.

We carefully pack and distribute gifts that reflect who that child is, whether it’s a doll, a skateboard, a book they’ve been wanting, or a set of paints to spark creativity. It’s not about the size of the gift. It’s about the feeling it brings.

Because these gifts aren’t just toys.
They’re a moment of happiness.
A sense of belonging.
A quiet but powerful message that says: you matter, and you are not forgotten.

We work closely with carers and organisations across the state to get gifts where they’re needed most, with as little red tape and as much heart as possible.

Who Can Request Gifts?

Foster and kinship carers supporting children in out-of-home care
Caseworkers, child protection staff, and support workers
This service is available to children and young people living in Victoria
Our Christmas List opens to Carers in September. Get updates through our Facebook page or subscribe to our newsletter”

A Little Love Letter

It was the first time in years I saw her smile on Christmas Day. The gift was perfect — but more than that, it was the feeling that someone out there cared enough to remember her

– Foster Carer, Gippsland

A better Life for Foster Kids

How You Can Help Spread the Joy

The magic of this program is only possible because of the generosity of people like you. If you believe every child should have a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning, here’s how you can help:

Donate a New Gift

Christmas Giving Campaign

Host a Giving Tree at Your Workplace or School

Bring your workplace, school, or community together to make Christmas brighter for a child in care.

Hosting a Giving Tree is a simple and powerful way to spread kindness during the holidays. You organise the tree — we make sure the gifts go where they’re needed most.

1

Register Your Tree

Decorate your tree and display it in a visible space where your team or community can participate. We'll provide guidance on gift suggestions and age ranges. Donate a Cuppa a Week

2

Set Up Your Tree

Decorate your tree and display it in a visible space where your team or community can participate.

3

Collect New, Unwrapped Gifts

Invite people to take part by purchasing a new, unwrapped gift and placing it under the tree. Gifts for older children and teens are especially appreciated.

4

Coordinate Drop-Off or Collection

When your collection is ready, simply let us know. You can drop gifts at one of our depot locations, or we’ll arrange pickup if needed.

5

Share the Spirit

Your Giving Tree will directly support children in out-of-home care across Victoria.

Follow Us On :

(+61) 0412 154 424

heather@abetterlifeforfosterkids.org.au