The Foster Care Founder Serving 10,000 Kids Across the Carolinas | Susanna Kavanaugh

<p>There are over 10,000 children in North Carolina right now living in foster care. 480 more enter the system every single day across the United States. Many of them feel like no one sees them, no one is coming, and no one cares enough to even know their favorite color.Susanna Kavanaugh, founder of Least of These Carolinas, built a nonprofit to change that feeling — starting with one county in Gastonia and growing into a statewide mission that meets children exactly where they are.In this conversation, we cover:Why so many foster children feel alone — and what it costs them when no one shows upThe Bag of Hope program — personalized duffel bags sent to children the moment they enter care, with their name embroidered in their favorite colorHow LOTC serves over 1,000 foster children each Christmas through community sponsorshipsBridge Camp in Wilkes County — a summer camp just for kids in foster care, now in its 10th yearHow Susanna mobilized after Hurricane Helene to reach WNC families on horseback, in partnership with Greg Biffle and the Joey Logano FoundationAliyah&#39;s story — a former camper who arrived at Bridge Camp feeling like no one was listening. She&#39;s now an EMT studying at Western Carolina University.Foster children don&#39;t need pity. They need someone to show up — intentionally, consistently, and by name. That&#39;s exactly what Least of These Carolinas does.How You Can Help:Visit lotcarolinas.com to donate, sponsor a child for camp or Christmas, volunteer to pack bags, or simply reach out if you want to get involved in a way that fits you. Susanna&#39;s team will find a place for you.🌿 Stay Connected &amp; Join the Work in Western North Carolina<br>Instagram:➡️ instagram.com/thesharondeckerTapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit):➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.comWNC Recovery Resources &amp; How to Help:➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.govChapters:00:00 – Introduction: Meet Susanna Kavanaugh01:45 – Why Foster Children Often Feel Alone03:20 – The Numbers: 10,000 Kids in NC, 480 a Day Nationwide04:50 – The Bag of Hope: A Duffel Bag With Their Name On It07:10 – 12 Hours of Christmas: Serving 1,000+ Kids Every Year08:55 – Hurricane Helene: Boots on the Ground in Western NC11:00 – Horseback Deliveries, Greg Biffle &amp; the Joey Logano Foundation13:15 – Bridge Camp: 10 Years of Changing Lives in Wilkes County15:00 – Aliyah&#39;s Story: When Showing Up Saves a Life16:30 – How You Can Get Involved With Least of These CarolinasKey Takeaways:Over 10,000 children in NC are currently in foster care480 children enter the foster care system every single day in the USLOTC serves 1,000+ foster children each Christmas seasonBridge Camp in Wilkes County is entering its 10th yearAfter Helene, LOTC coordinated formula deliveries on horseback and secured vehicles for displaced caregiversYou don&#39;t have to be a foster parent to step into a child&#39;s storylotcarolinas.com is where to start#FosterCare #LeastOfTheseCarolinas #WesternNorthCarolina #HurricaneHelene #WNCRecovery #FosterKids #BagOfHope #BridgeCamp #SharonDecker #CommunityImpact</p>