Pictured, from left, are Danielle Stone, Ariana Stone, Bryson Stone, Darmarian Stone, Liravia Stone and Matt Stone in front of more than 160 foster and adoption packages they’ve assembled as a family and distributed to children who are placed in the Chautauqua County foster system in 2023. Submitted photo

For Danielle and Matt Stone, it wasn’t enough to adopt their four children out of the foster care system. They still felt called to do more.

“After picking our kids up, out of state and adopting them, watching them carry everything they owned in a large, black, trash bag was heartbreaking,” said Danielle Stone. “My husband and I decided we’re still in it and we have to do something to help out.”

For the Stones, their mission started out a few years ago by assembling backpacks with toiletries and supplies for several area foster kids who were temporarily placed in a home or adoptive children who found their forever-homes. The backpacks contained a smattering of necessities and provided a bag for the children.

“As time went on, we began to see a need for birthday presents, Christmas presents, clothing and specific hygiene products,” Stone said. “Now the ‘Celebration Boxes’ contain not only age-appropriate presents, but also the wrapping paper, tape and party decorations needed to host a party.”

Additionally, the “Celebration Boxes” have come in handy for children suffering a traumatic crisis or event.

“I’m told some of the boxes are being used for a child or children whose parent no-showed a scheduled visit or when a child is in protective custody awaiting a placement in a foster home and is sitting around the office for a long-time,” Stone said.

Moreover, the Stone’s have even more lofty goals for their prescribed crusade.

“We’re looking at starting a nonprofit to continue to address the needs of children who are within the system and need support, love and a friendly hand,” Stone said.

“The Celebration Box was a God-send,” one such foster parent said. “It was nice to not only have all the necessities my foster-daughter needed, but to also have some toys to help entertain her as we get the rest of what she needs.”