Heartwarming Success: Open Arms Foster Care Donation Event

The Newton, Iowa, Kinetic Connection Center's Open Arms Donation Drive, held on August 9th, was an overwhelming success, bringing together the community in a show of generosity and support for foster children. The event saw participation from several local communities including Newton, Mingo and Colfax, all eager to contribute to a worthy cause.

Coming Together for a Cause

Matt Mitchell, a Kinetic local area manager, was inspired to orchestrate the event for the Open Arms Foundation because of the meaningful impact the organization provides on local youth. From a young age, Matt saw the difference that generosity and a strong foundation can have on youth when his parents adopted his five siblings. To do this, he initiated the partnership with the local Open Arms Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster children and their families.

"Open Arms has been a beacon of hope in the community, providing resources and assistance to ensure that foster children have the tools they need to thrive," Matt said during the event. “Anything we can provide will help them through their challenging circumstances on their way to success.”

Community Contributions

Donations poured in, with community members contributing snacks, new pajamas, hygiene items, infant care items, clothes, and gift cards for kids of all ages. These contributions will go a long way in helping foster children start off on a more positive note.

"This donation drive is our way of giving these kids a great start to what could be their new life," said Matt. "It’s about more than just donations; it’s about showing them they are valued and supported."

A Day of Fun and Generosity

The event was more than just a donation drive. The atmosphere was electric with joy and camaraderie, as families and individuals came together to support the cause. The Kaaswagen Food Truck, owned and operated by Matt’s parents, partnered with Kinetic to provide free meal tickets to the first 300 who gave a donation valued at $10+, ensuring that those who contributed could enjoy a token of appreciation for their generosity. The free meal values were sponsored by Kaaswagen and Kinetic’s local connection center.

Nick Pietrack, Open Arms Founder and Director emphasized the importance of community involvement throughout the event. “Our mission is to build a community where every child feels valued and supported,” said Pietrack. “Each donation, big or small, helps us show these children that they are not alone. Together, we can make a real difference.”

The success of this event has laid a strong foundation for the future of these children. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated. Your generosity and community spirit have made a significant impact, and together, we have filled those first nights in foster care with hope and support. We are indeed #BetterTogether.