Texas fosters program fulfills over 5,300 holiday wishes

First Lady Cecilia Abbott marked a significant achievement as over 5,300 holiday wish lists for Texas children in foster care were fulfilled this year. The Holiday Wishes program, supported by state agency employees, is an initiative of the Governor’s Commission for Women and the State Agency Council. Coordinated through Partnerships for Children, it ensures that children in foster care across 31 counties in Central and South Central Texas receive gifts on Christmas morning.

“Every child deserves to know the promise of hope and the joy that Christmas brings,” said First Lady Abbott. She emphasized the importance of community support during the holiday season, stating, “There is no greater example of Texans helping Texans than providing support for foster and adoptive families in Texas during the holiday season.”

Abbott extended her gratitude to those involved: “I thank the Governor’s Commission for Women, the State Agency Council, Partnerships for Children, and employees of the 56 participating state agencies who generously donated much-wanted gifts for our children in foster care.”

The First Lady hosted members of both sponsoring organizations at the Governor’s Mansion to celebrate their success and prepare gift bags for caseworkers aiding foster children in Central Texas.

The Governor’s Commission for Women has been a resource and advocate for women in Texas for over five decades. Its mission is to empower women and girls across the state. The State Agency Council supports this mission by offering professional development training and presenting awards such as the Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards.

Partnerships for Children was established in 2003 with a focus on supporting those involved with Child Protective Services in Texas.