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The Love, Aaliyah Program

Love, Aaliyah is a program created in memory of Aaliyah —  whose journey showed us just how much a child’s sense of security can be tied to having something of their own..

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Aaliyah was first in my care for a short time in 2021. When she left, she had over five plastic totes and several bags filled with her personal belongings — things that were hers, carefully packed and preserved.

But when she returned to my care in 2022, she came back with only a duffel bag and a backpack. After so many moves, all of her personal items had been lost, stolen, or left behind. Despite years of attempting to track it down and retrieve it, it was all gone. The foster care agency refused to replace any of it. 

Our community pulled together to gift Aaliyah with new things to call her own. 

Love, Aaliyah exists to make sure no child has to go through that again

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Each donation helps give a child a sense of dignity, ownership, and comfort during some of the hardest times of their lives.

This program honors Aaliyah’s memory — and carries forward her legacy of strength and hope.

Ways to donate

There are several meaningful ways to support Love, Aaliyah to help provide foster children with the dignity of having their own belongings.

You can donate new or gently used items from our approved list, purchase directly from our curated Amazon Wish List, specify "Love, Aaliyah" in your monetary donation, or reach out to us directly to discuss other ways to contribute. Every act of giving makes a difference in a child’s life. 

Donation ideas

  • Gently used or new suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags

  • Handmade quilts or tie blankets

  • Brand new stuffed animals

  • Brand new blankets

  • Hair accessories​

  • Room decor

  • Books​

  • Toys

  • Photo albums

  • Journal items (notebooks, markers, pens, stickers, etc.)

  • Coloring books and supplies​

  • Shoes

  • Fidget toys or stress balls

  • Art supplies

  • Educational games

  • Reusable water bottles

  • Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.)

  • Headphones or earbuds 

  • Coping tools: guided notebooks, worry stones, positive affirmations

  • Puzzles

  • Handheld games (UNO, playing cards, board games, etc.)

  • Letters of support

  • Gift certificate for local experiences (bowling, water park, movies, etc.)

  • Bicycles

To arrange donation for physical items, please contact us

Referrals

If you know of a foster child in need of belongings to call their own, please enter your information in the section below. Our team will reach out to you to discuss how best to help the child and family.

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