Houston, Texas

A backpack can carry more than essentials.

It can carry comfort, dignity and the reminder that a child is still cared for, still matters and is not forgotten.

ClothesCareComfortHope

Our Story

From surviving hardship to offering hope.

Help Kids Now grew from our founder’s own experience of severe childhood abuse, degradation and neglect, that he endured throughout his young life.

At different points in his life, a few compassionate people offered care and support when he needed it most. Their kindness gave him hope and courage. It also shaped his belief that a child facing harm needs to know they are seen, valued and not alone.

Guided by faith and a servant’s heart, he has sought to advocate for and stand beside young people who feel lost, lonely or unwanted. He has used his testimony and talents to encourage at-risk youth, help them discover and pursue their own gifts, and show them a path toward hope, love and self worth. His work with and support of the organizations Courageous Ministries and Childhelp have been part of that commitment.

Help Kids Now puts that purpose into action: meeting immediate needs with comfort and dignity while advocating for children affected by abuse and neglect. Our founder is determined to turn the anguish of his past into good for the children who come after him.

About Us

No child should enter a new home with their belongings in a trash bag.

Help Kids Now was created to give children entering foster care the basics they need and the dignity they deserve. We pack practical essentials alongside familiar, comforting items that help a child feel seen during an uncertain transition.

Essential items. Brighter tomorrows.

01

Restore dignity

New, age-appropriate items arrive in a real backpack—not a trash bag.

02

Offer comfort

A plush friend, sensory item or favorite toy brings reassurance when routines change.

03

Support brighter days

Every packed bag tells a child: you matter, you are cared for and you are not forgotten.

Example collection of clothing, hygiene supplies, toys and other essentials for a foster-care backpack

Current Campaign

Pack a Brighter Tomorrow

Help fill a backpack with new essentials selected for a child’s age and needs.

  • A change of clothes and sleepwear
  • New socks, underwear and shoes
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and hygiene products
  • A comfort toy or plush bear
  • A therapy or sensory item
Choose your impact

Why Now

The need is real.

Figures below are drawn from the foster-care fact sheet provided by Help Kids Now.

330,000children are currently in foster care
Nearly 90%have experienced at least one form of trauma
41%have a diagnosed mental health condition
55%of entries cite neglect, the most common reason

Children may enter care for more than one circumstance, so reason-for-entry percentages can overlap.

Drives

Bring your community together.

Schools, churches, workplaces and neighborhood groups can collect new items for a backpack drive.

1

Choose a focus

Collect complete backpacks or focus on clothing, hygiene, comfort or play.

2

Gather new items

Invite your group to contribute unopened, age-appropriate supplies.

3

Arrange delivery

Contact Help Kids Now to coordinate the next collection or drop-off.

Plan a drive

Upcoming Events

Join the next packing day.

Community Backpack Packing Event

Dates and location will be announced soon. Send us a message to volunteer or receive event updates.

I want updates

Contact Us

Let’s help a child feel cared for.

Ask about donating, hosting a drive, volunteering or partnering with Help Kids Now.

6425 Westheimer Road
Houston, Texas 77057

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