In 2007, the McAveeney family opened their hearts & home to a precious baby in need of a temporary home. This experience exposed them to a world of vulnerable children couch-hopping, living in abandoned buildings, cars, garages, or living in under-funded foster care facilities and group homes. For 16 years, the McAveeneys’ home has been a safe place for homeless children and teens across the Chicagoland area.
Feeling a need to help, Lilly, the McAveeneys’ daughter, asked her mom, ‘Who’s going to make kids without families feel loved like you make me feel on Valentine’s Day? Can we help children living in group homes?” Lilly and her friends made 38 Valentine cards & filled Valentine WeCare Packages for each child.
A little girl who received a gift said, “I used to cry on Valentine’s Day because I wanted a mommy so bad. You made me feel better. I knew we could find someone to love us. Please don’t forget me.” Then Lilly’s sister Ellorie asked, “Who’s going to help kids feel special on their birthdays?” and Fill a Heart 4 Kids (FAH4K) was born.
In 2008, FAH4K started igniting hope with Project Valentine WeCare Packages™ to help children living in group facilities feel loved and remembered on Valentine’s Day and other holidays. FAH4K gained 501(c)(3) status in 2015, broadening its ability to support at-risk Illinois youth.
Today, FAH4K supports over 2,400 foster and homeless children annually by providing critical necessities, food, clothing, educational support, life skills opportunities, and enriching hands-on volunteer opportunities to “Build Brighter Futures 4 Kids”.
Consistent, Adequate Meals
Seasonally Appropriate Clothing & Footwear (especially during winter)
Educational Support & Tutoring
Life Skill Opportunities (cooking, first aid, etc.)
Confidence Building Initiatives
Restoration of Dignity
Remembrance During Holidays
Recognition for Birthdays & Graduations
Chicago is one of the leading cities in human trafficking.
There are approximately 25,000 unaccompanied, homeless youth in Illinois and only 600 beds available to them.
There are approximately 18,000 children in DCFS custody.
There are 20,000 homeless kids who live on the streets in Illinois while trying to navigate their education.
Fill a Heart 4 Kids thanks all of our donors and volunteers for believing in our mission by providing food, critical necessities, life skills, & educational support to empower us to Build Brighter Futures 4 Kids! We could not do our important work without you!
Our WeCare Community has provided:
150,000 Meals
4,000 Food Gift Cards
75,000 Toiletries
8,000 Feminine Hygiene Products
1,800 Coats
12,000 Pairs of Warm Socks, Boots, & Shoes
30,000 School Supplies
1,000 Toiletry Gift Cards
14,000 Masks
8,800 Holiday Gifts
2,000 Hats
2,000 Pairs of Gloves
2,000 Blankets, Sheets, & Pillows
Together We Have:
Installed 4 Privacy Gardens at Children’s Group Homes to Keep Children Safe While Playing Outside
Renovated 4 Wings at a Foster Group Home for 38 Children
Launched the First Foster Youth Junior Board to Give Foster Youth a Voice & an Opportunity to Give Back
Your donation will directly support our programs and initiatives, creating real and lasting impact where it’s needed most.
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