These facilities often need volunteers for roles like cooking, cleaning, and childcare. Homes and volunteer organizations have plenty of ways to contribute, so look around to find something that is right for you.

Look up a charity’s rating to see if it is legitimate and spends its money correctly. You can use a service like https://www. charitywatch. org/home. Talk with administrators and tour their facilities to get more insight on what services each organization provides. For example, you might work for organizations like The Orphan Society of America or AdoptUSKids.

Try volunteering with an organization such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

A CASA volunteer is required to pass a background check and a 30-hour training session. CASA volunteers have to agree to stay with a child’s case until it is closed, which can take over a year. Make sure this is something you are okay doing.

A good picture may catch someone’s eye, encouraging them to foster or adopt the child.

The facility will put you through at least 30 hours of state training and earn First Aid and CPR certifications. Many foster care services pay you a stipend for being a respite care provider. Reach out to any foster families you already know. Even babysitting a child in their home can help them.

Depending on where you live, you may need to get 20 to 30 hours of training first. The state handles this and gives you a foster parent license when you are finished. Fostering depends on what you want. You can choose to take on children for as little as a few hours at a time for emergency purposes or to help primary caregivers. Fostering with the intention of adopting is also an option.

Public agencies are free to use, but private agencies often offer guidance. They can help you get your home set up, train you to be a parent, and link you to community resources. Children from infants to age 18 can be fostered or adopted, so you can always find a child that is right for you.

Before donating, be sure to research the organization thoroughly. Check to see if the organization was certified as non-profit and that most donations are used to help the children. Also read up about the organization, their programs, and any testimonials you can find. Get creative when giving. You can give small donations, but you can also work with others, host a fundraiser, or create a scholarship.

Work together with other volunteers to gather lots of supplies. Don’t underestimate the need for basics like clothing. Many children have limited access to material goods.

If you choose to spend money, monitor your own budget to avoid overspending. Check with the caregivers first to make sure this is okay. Canned food is acceptable, but many places are in need of fresh fruit or vegetables.

Some providers may not have easy access to stores, vehicles, and laundry machines, so offering to handle this helps them. Ask foster parents and workers directly about what they need. For example, say, “Can I mow your grass?” Then they don’t have to feel guilty about having you do the work for them.

You may also offer to transport the families to these places.

For example, you might learn that a foster facility needs more funding and supplies. Explain to other people why the facility needs donations. Ask them to share this information with their friends and family as well. You will encounter some negative stories, but these are important. Advocates are necessary to prevent more orphaned children from suffering.

Your family and friends don’t have to become foster parents to help. Even a charitable donation is useful. Encourage them to repost stories so that more people can learn about and help orphans.

Avoid pressuring people to help out. This usually discourages them from contributing. Also be aware that people are suited to different tasks. For example, a busy person might be more comfortable making a donation than being a mentor.