Valley Park Foster Closet

The Valley Park Foster Closet is a community-based resource serving foster families throughout the St. Louis area. Our mission is to support foster children and their caregivers by providing essential items at no cost, helping to ease the transition during what can be a difficult time. 

As a volunteer-run organization, we strive to meet the immediate needs of children entering or already in the foster care system through the generosity and support of our community.

What's a foster closet?

A foster closet provides clothing and necessities to local foster families who accept placements of foster children removed from their homes for a variety of reasons.

When did the Valley Park Foster Closet start?

The Valley Park Foster Closet began over seven years ago in a humble garage with a simple mission: to provide children in foster care with essential necessities.What do you provide to foster families?Foster families can visit the closet when they receive a new placement to receive a bag packed with essentials, or they can come shop in person. A premade bag can alleviate stress by having basic needs met for the child. Everything from clothing, new socks and underwear, personal care items, diapers, wipes, laundry detergent and more is provided to foster families.

Are your services only for kids entering foster care?

Nope! We also provide essentials for children who are not new to foster care, those adopted from foster care, under guardianship, those at risk of entering foster care, and those beginning reunification with their biological families–ensuring vulnerable youth receive the support they deserve during challenging transitions.

How many children do you typically serve with closet resources?

In 2024, thanks to the tremendous generosity of countless donors, we served 445 children by providing clothing, shoes, socks, underwear, diapers, wipes, personal hygiene products, baby equipment, Halloween costumes, winter gear, care bags, and much more!

That sounds great! What is the source of your items?

The closet operates entirely through volunteer efforts, with dedicated individuals working tirelessly to equip families with needed items. All supplies are either donated directly or purchased through community fundraising initiatives. 

If everything you give out is donated, why do you need monetary donations?

Monetary donations are used to replenish items we do not receive in donations. Sometimes our diapers, wipes, and personal care items (especially for textured hair) are given out frequently and need to be restocked. Donations are also used to purchase new socks and underwear.

We are also starting a program where we will provide a new car seat to new-to-foster care placements so they have a safe space to ride in a vehicle.

Donations can also be used to purchase specialty items on a case-by-case basis.