Foster families go back to school shopping

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- An organization dedicated to helping foster families hit a milestone in advance of its biggest event of summer.

The Foster Network in Sioux Falls is busier than ever.

"As of June 30th of this year, we've surpassed 1,000 visits to The Closet," Executive Director Holly Christensen said.

That's more than triple the number of children served during the same time frame in 2023, and matches last year's overall total. This week, the organization expects to add more than 300 kids to that number during Back to School Days.

"It is about meeting the needs of kids that are affected by the foster care system going back to school," Christensen said.

The list of items includes everything on the Sioux Falls School District supply list, but the kids also get to pick a backpack, shoes, and clothes that fit their style.

"Even though we are serving more than one family at a time we try to keep the shopping experience individualized and meaningful to the kids to make them feel special," Christensen said.

"My girls absolutely enjoyed being able to pick out their favorite book bag," Sioux Falls foster...