Non-profit for foster families in need of gift cards

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The season of giving is officially over but the need is still great, especially at Arizona Helping Hands.

The non-profit provides basic essential needs like beds and clothes to foster families. It also goes above and beyond by giving birthday gifts to foster kids and teens.

"The teenagers are typically a group that's been written off a lot of times, and we want these kids to know they're special," says Helping Hands CEO Dan Schufelt.

Schufelt says they put together 250 to 300 birthday packages a month.

Diapers are given to the babies and toys are given to the children, but Schufelt says Arizona Helping Hands needs gift cards the most.

"The ones we typically use are Target, Walmart, Ulta, Dick's Sporting Goods, even Harkins and Starbucks are nice things to throw in," says Schufelt.

Each birthday bag includes $40 to $50 in gift cards for teens who are old enough to shop for themselves. The CEO says that kind of generosity can get expensive, but that's where the cummunity steps in and makes sure each teen knows how important they are.

"We want to improve their self-esteem and give them a little boost," says Schufelt. "That's what we're all about - love and support."

You can drop off gift cards at any time at their location on 3110 E. Thunderbird Road.