As CEO of Thompson, I’m often reminded that titles like Senator, CEO, and General come with weight and responsibility. But during the holiday season, some of the most significant people in our community are the children quietly carrying more grief, uncertainty, and resilience than most adults will in a lifetime.
For many of us, the holidays mean familiarity, tradition, and home. For children in foster care, the season often amplifies what they’ve lost — and what they long for most.
Did you know that there are almost 400,000 kids in foster care?
That means hundreds of thousands of children will spend this holiday season away from their families, their traditions, and the places that once defined home.
And here in the Southeast — in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky — the numbers tell an equally urgent story:
State-by-State Context
- Florida consistently has one of the highest foster care populations in the country, with more than 20,000 children in out-of-home care. Many enter care due to parental substance use and housing instability — issues that worsen stress and grief during the holidays.
- North Carolina serves over 10,000 children in foster care. In our own backyard, children in Mecklenburg County, Guilford County, and surrounding regions face disrupted routines, grief triggers, and inconsistent visitation during the holidays.
- South Carolina has nearly 4,500 children in care, including many teens and sibling groups — the very populations for whom the holidays are often the hardest.
- Tennessee supports more than 8,500 children in care, many of whom cycle through multiple placements. For these children, the holidays highlight instability more than celebration.
- Kentucky has one of the highest rates of child removal per capita in the nation, with more than 8,000 children in foster care. Trauma, substance use, and generational poverty contribute to deep emotional wounds that surface intensely this time of year.
Across our region, the theme is the same:
Children are hurting — and the holidays intensify that hurt.
In one recent poll, over 80% of foster youth said they miss their families during the holidays. And trauma studies show that up to 64% of foster youth who experienced sexual abuse and 42% who experienced physical abuse meet criteria for PTSD. These emotions don’t take a holiday break. In fact, the holidays often make them louder.
This is why this season matters so deeply at Thompson.
The holidays aren’t about gifts or decorations. They’re about restoring a sense of belonging, repairing emotional cracks, and giving children moments of joy they can trust.
Our commitment at Thompson is simple:
Every child we serve — from Florida to Kentucky — will know they are safe, they belong, and they matter, especially now.
But achieving this takes a community.
How the Community Can Stand with Thompson Right Now
1. Sponsor a Child or a Cottage
Personalized holiday experiences tell a child in care:
You matter. You were remembered.
2. Adopt a Wish List
Families, churches, civic clubs, and companies can adopt lists and make this season special.
3. Support Our Teaching Kitchen & Holiday Meals
A warm meal shared in community is one of the most healing experiences we can offer.
4. Give to the Holiday Impact Fund
Your support covers therapy, winter clothing, tutoring, sports fees, and essential needs that go far beyond December.
5. Volunteer
Activities like decorating cottages, baking cookies, reading, or playing games create connection and memories for children across all five states.
6. Consider Becoming a Foster or Respite Parent
The most meaningful gift is stability — long after the lights and trees come down.
A Final Word
The holidays reveal what truly matters.
Significance isn’t found in a title — it’s found in service.
Nearly 400,000 children nationwide, and tens of thousands in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky, will experience this season without the comfort of home. While we cannot erase their past, we can help shape their present and their future.
At Thompson, we stand in the gap for these children every single day.
This holiday season, I’m asking our community — across all five states — to stand in that gap with us.
Together, we can ensure that the holidays aren’t a reminder of loss,
but the beginning of healing, hope, and belonging.
