the number of referrals from the Department of Children and Family Services to Foster Children's Resource Center (FCRC) has increased, and the good news is that FCRC is able to help.

When children must be removed quickly from their homes for their protection, they are often sent to foster care with no personal possessions other than the clothes they are wearing. FCRC volunteers work closely with social workers to ensure that each client family is assisted promptly. Many lasting relationships are formed with the children, as some have appointments at FCRC every six months to receive clothing and other necessities.

ALSC's own Family Preservation Program refers children to this service, offering an important continuum of care. The Hilltoppers Auxiliary founded FCRC in 1990 to offer resources to these families.

FCRC is staffed and operated under the leadership of ALSC's Hilltoppers Auxiliary. The volunteers at FCRC help soften the hardships of their clients by offering new clothing, layette items, under-garments, uniforms, a non-school outfit and jackets. Additional items include books, toys and grooming supplies that are purchased by the FCRC or donated by various companies.