Houses decorated with lights, the smell of cookies baking and the sound of carols being sung. Rather than a joyous time, for many children in foster care, the holidays are a reminder of what they are missing.

Regardless of the circumstances, being removed from whatever semblance of “family” and “home” a child has experienced is traumatic. Many children in foster care dread the approaching holidays, wondering how, or if, they will celebrate; wondering if they will be remembered on anyone’s gift list. For many, the feeling extends to thinking they aren’t good enough to deserve any presents, love or happiness.

You can lessen the effects of separation for trauma-affected children living in foster care and help bring normalcy to their holidays. Let them know they are loved and cared for, and deserve all the good things life has to offer. The Children’s Foundation of America’s “Holiday Heroes” campaign provides holiday gifts and celebrations for children placed in foster care as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment.

Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 1210, Claremont, CA 91711 or donate online at www.ChildrensFoundationOfAmerica.org. For more information, call 1-800-KIDS-730.