Foster Youth Giving Tree program is under way

By David Stone

The Belton Journal

Foster Youth Giving Tree, a program that provides Christmas presents to foster children in the Belton and Temple area, is under way at six Central Texas businesses.

“We’ve been providing gifts for several years, but this year instead of doing a toy drive, we have giving trees at locations throughout the area,” said Heather Mellott, founder of Adoption Finder, a local nonprofit that supports expecting moms, adoptive families, and foster youth here in Central Texas.

Courtesy Photo

The Foster Youth Giving Tree program gives locals the opportunity to help foster children receive gifts this Christmas.

“We recently launched our Foster Youth Giving Tree project,” she said. “The Giving Trees provide Christmas gifts and essential items to foster youth in our community — especially teens, who are often overlooked during holiday donation drives.”

Mellott said about 50 children — ranging in age from toddlers to a 19-year-old — with personal medical needs will be helped this year. The kids and their families are affiliated with Guiding Light Fosters & Adoptions in Belton.

Businesses hosting Giving Trees include Little Sprouts of Belton, Wags of Temple and Woodway, Summer Moon Coffee in Temple, Bo’s Barn in Temple and William Hoyt Bagel & Brew in Temple.

“Each business will have a little Christmas tree with wish-list tags,” Mellott said. “The tags will include the child’s name, age, and a list of items they would like.” Participants take the tag, do their shopping, and return the tag and unwrapped gifts to the business where they picked up the tags.

Mellott said the last day to drop off gifts and tags will be Dec. 15. Presents will be distributed on Dec. 18.

For those who prefer to contribute online, there is a donation option available at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/foster-youth-giving-tree-2025.

“Flyers and wish tags have also been distributed at additional businesses across Bell County to expand awareness and accessibility of the program,” Mellott said.

“Our mission is simple and heartfelt — no foster youth should go without during Christmas.”