We received a request from Colorado Kids Belong to create Thanksgiving baskets for kids about to age out of foster care. This is their request: Dream Makers is a program of America’s Kids Belong. Dream Makers serves youth who have aged out of foster care or are likely to age out in the near future. Every year 23,000 teens exit the foster care system without a family to help them transition into adulthood. These youth were removed from their families, having experienced neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Dream Makers helps remove barriers that stand in the way of the empowered, connected lives these youth dream of having. The Dream Makers project draws a community around youth who have no family to help them navigate the financial challenges of young adulthood like renting an apartment, getting their first car, clothes for a new job, or locating a reasonably priced laptop for school. The holidays can be a lonely time for the youth when they don't have a family to go visit during the holidays. In past years Dream Makers has partnered with the county, local churches, and local organizations to host a Thanksgiving meal event for the youth. At that event last year the youth were so touched that people would do so many nice things for them and serve them. One of the youth was heard saying, "I forgot what Thanksgiving tasted like." Due to limitations this year we are unable to host a meal. We are asking that the community continue to show love and service to our youth by donating a Thanksgiving basket. Below is the list of what is needed in a Thanksgiving basket.