For years Yvonne Wolf has collected gift ideas, snipped pictures of care packages and scratched poetic message of comfort on pages. She has a passion for foster kids of all ages and had a passion to put together something for children to enter the foster care system with nothing but a trash bag of belongings.

In honor of National Family Month, Gothenburg Health and its community partners have assembled 32 backpacks for foster kids to make Wolf’s dream become a reality before she retires at the end of this month and to help foster kids in Dawson County.

Wolf said she had always wanted to be a foster parent, but with working full time and living in the country it didn’t seem possible. Her heart for foster kids didn’t go away, and she knew more could be done for the kids. “I wanted the care kits to be for kids of all ages because we don’t want to forget the older ones. It feels good to see this project happen and to see how many people got involved,” she said.

Gothenburg Health donated the Under Armour back packs and challenged each department to collect a list of items that would be helpful and fun for a foster kid. Essentials such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, towels, wash cloths and water bottles were included. However, the staff added fun items like bubbles, activity books, markers, games and craft kits.

Other businesses in the community got involved. Flatwater bank donated a cuddly dog with the caring message, “This little dog is just for you. He’s full of so much love. When you’re feeling blue, give him a little hug. He’s always there for you.” Additionally, Stone Hearth Estates residents assembled little bags of hope with a star to wish upon, a candle to remind that there’s light in the darkness, an angel to protect and guide, a flower to remind of beautiful things and a heart to remind each kid that he or she is always loved.

Gothenburg Health pharmacist, Niki Salomon, and Frontier Family Pharmacy in Cozad donated Band-Aid packets, mini first aid kits, pill holders and children’s medicine spoons for every back pack.

The care kits will be distributed by a representative at DHHS to kids of all ages in Dawson County when they enter the foster care system.