AUSTIN, Texas — Local teens will have a Christmas to remember.
Foster Angels of Central Texas, an area nonprofit, has spent the week collecting and wrapping presents for nearly 150 Central Texas teens in foster care.
The teenagers the organization has chosen to gift this year are in homes that are unable to celebrate them for Christmas, Foster Angels said.
CPS caseworkers asked the teens what they'd like for Christmas, but little do they know they will be getting everything on their holiday wish lists thanks to sponsors and volunteers.
“I think the most fun thing that has happened for me this morning is thinking about the surprise and the actual excitement of a foster teen receiving some of the gifts I’ve wrapped today," said Lazan Pargaman, volunteer. "These are wonderful presents. They’re really nice gifts for these kids.”
PHOTOS: Foster Angels wrap presents for nearly 150 teenagers in foster care
No gift is too big or expensive.
From airpods and guitars to laptops and bikes, Foster Angels gets it all.
The organization told KVUE they want to make this experience extra special because the teenagers have never had a special holiday.
“These kids are very used to asking for things and not receiving them," said Maggie Sheppard with Foster Angels."That’s kind of the norm of foster care. That’s what’s really special is that it’s a surprise that they actually got it. They said, 'yeah I want that,' but they didn’t think they would get it.”
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The organization has been gifting teens for the holidays since 2011 when they helped 10 teenagers. The nonprofit has since grown to serve more than 150.
CPS caseworkers will pick up the wrapped presents on Friday morning.
All of the teens selected this year have been sponsored, but you can make a contribution towards any extra gifts they may need. You can donate through the organization's website and can also sign up to volunteer in the future.
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