Behind the Mission: Foster Youth Back to Help with Christmas Drive

December 14, 2022

By Christina Kaiser -

You might remember Tonia Fede, the former foster youth who used her federal transition funds to purchase school supplies for children in foster care.

Tonia, like most youth in care, received federal funding to help her make a successful transition into independence while also navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. She budgeted carefully, used what she need and used the rest to purchase school supplies for children still in foster care.

She's back!

Tonia contacted CCKids in October and asked for a few names so she could fulfill the Christmas wish requests of children in care. Then she reached out again and asked for more. And then still more.

Why does she do it? Tonia says she wants to give back to the community that helped her so much when she was in care and to be a positive force in a system that - despite best attempts and dedicated individuals - doesn't always get it right.

"I have been in and out of care growing up throughout my life," she said. "I have always had a passion for helping others, standing up for what's right and most importantly those in need."