This holiday season, the IZEACares Committee launched the Fostering Joy initiative to help foster children. Our goal was to raise at least $6,500, and we’re happy to report that we surpassed 103.73% of our fundraising goal. Through the collective generosity and effort of 54 IZEAns, we sponsored 15 foster children, signed up for additional most-wanted wish list items, and stocked the Plymouth Community Foster Closet so that the children have gifts for their birthdays and clothing and toiletries throughout the year.
Making a difference for foster kids
Many children enter foster care with little to their name, and small gestures can bring comfort and dignity. Through Fostering Joy, IZEAns came together to donate gifts and supplies to brighten the holidays and make a lasting impact. By providing essentials like clothing, toys, and everyday necessities, we hope to bring smiles to children in need. IZEAns donated funds that were used by team members in Michigan to shop for gifts and necessities, which were then delivered to the Plymouth Community Foster Closet this month.
Meagan Steiner, Director, Client Service Operations, says this IZEACares initiative is her favorite of the year.
“We stretch every dollar raised as far as it can go and have put many hours into researching the best deals and stacking as many discounts and coupons as possible so we can buy these kids as much as we can. Being able to say we made even a small difference for these kids this year means so much, and it’s always so inspiring to watch a company come together to do so!”
A tradition of giving back
At IZEA, citizenship, teamwork and love are at the heart of what we do. This initiative builds on the success of our Adopt-a-Family campaigns in previous years. In 2023, the IZEAns went above and beyond by exceeding our donation goal by 114%, allowing us to support not just one family but also 11 foster children. Surplus donations helped stock the Foster Closet with winter essentials, ensuring warmth and comfort during the colder months.
Taylar Richards, Associate, Paid Media, is one of the IZEAns who helps shop and deliver the donations.
“Even though we’re a remote company, the holiday season reminds us how powerful coming together can be. By joining forces to spread joy to foster children this year, we’re creating something truly special—proof that distance doesn’t diminish the impact we can make when we unite for a meaningful cause.”
Marette Flora is IZEA’s Content Manager. She writes and edits content about influencer marketing and all the latest #TeamIZEA happenings. When she is not at work, she can be found writing her personal blog, crafting personalized gifts or exploring Chicago where she lives with her husband, two daughters, dog and plants.
