For foster & kinship families

Here for Every Placement

Opening your home to a child comes with a lot to prepare for—and sometimes, there’s no time to prepare at all. Whether the placement is planned or comes through an unexpected late-night call, we’re here to help. We provide clothing, everyday essentials, and comfort items to help each child feel cared for and at home. Everything is completely free for foster and kinship families, for every placement.

How it works

Three simple steps

There's no cost and no long application. We only need the children's ages and sizes.

  1. Reach out

    Email us at [email protected], or ask your social worker to contact us for you. Tell us each child's age, clothing and shoe size, and anything they especially need.

  2. Shop or pick up

    Visit the closet to choose items together, or we'll pack a bag for you. For emergency placements, we'll have a Go Bag ready as fast as we can.

    Shopping days & times: TBD

  3. Come back each month

    Kids grow and seasons change. Families can shop once a month for new sizes, winter gear and school supplies, and anytime you welcome a new placement.

What we can provide

From newborn to seventeen

little darlings

Babies & toddlers, 0–5T

  • Sleepers, onesies and outfits
  • Diapers, pull-ups and wipes
  • Bottles, pacifiers and bibs
  • Strollers, high chairs and play yards
  • Safe cribs and new car seats
bright stars

Kids, 6–12

  • Everyday outfits and pajamas
  • Coats, snow pants, hats and mittens
  • Shoes and boots
  • Backpacks and school supplies
  • Books, games and a comfort item
your style

Teens, 13–17

  • Hoodies, jeans and joggers in current styles
  • Shoes and backpacks
  • Full-size hygiene kits and hair care
  • New underwear, socks and bras
  • A private place to try things on

Go Bags

When you welcome a new placement, you can schedule a time to visit Dear Darling and shop for what they need, or we can pack a Go Bag for you. Each bag is filled with everyday essentials along with a few special extras, thoughtfully chosen for each child. Just share their ages and sizes with us, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Hours

Coming soon

We're getting our space ready. Until then, email us and we'll set up a time that works for you.

Location

Coming soon

We'll share our address here as soon as it's set. Who we serve: licensed foster families and kinship caregivers in Crow Wing County and surrounding areas.

Your privacy matters. We only ask for children's ages and sizes, never case details. Everything you share stays private, and every volunteer signs a confidentiality agreement.

Need something today?

Families and social workers: email us each child's age and sizes and we'll get a bag ready.

Email us
coming soon

We’re Building Dear Darling! 🤍

We’re currently working behind the scenes to get the Dear Darling foster closet ready and fully stocked for the children and families we’ll serve.

Soon, you’ll be able to support the closet through our Amazon Wish List, Target and Walmart registries, and online donation portal.

In the meantime, we’d love your help! If you’re interested in donating items, making a financial contribution, volunteering, or getting involved in another way, please email us. We’d be so grateful to have you be part of building Dear Darling from the very beginning.

Email Us →

Thank you for helping us fill the shelves before we open our doors.