This week, EmberHope received an incredibly meaningful gift through Subaru’s national Loves to Help initiative — and the impact will be felt immediately by children and youth in our care. Thanks to a partnership rooted in shared values and a heart for serving children, our team welcomed around a dozen large boxes filled with brand-new winter coats in a wide range of sizes and colors, all ready to be distributed to foster children, youth in our residential programs, and families who need extra support this winter.
How This Partnership Began
According to Erica Whitney, Associate Director of Development at EmberHope, this partnership grew from long-standing relationships and intentional conversations.
“Britt English, EmberHope’s Associate Marketing Director, and I previously worked in Subaru’s marketing department and have stayed in close contact. As EmberHope grew, we shared our mission with them and explored how our needs aligned with Subaru’s Love Promise pillars. This partnership grew naturally from those conversations.”
Subaru’s Love Promise focuses on making a positive impact in communities, and when they began looking for an organization that serves children — especially given that the coats come in all sizes — EmberHope was a natural fit. “Because we support foster and residential youth, it was a great fit, and after staying connected, they chose EmberHope as this year’s recipient,” Whitney explained.
A Moment That Moved Our Staff
When the boxes arrived, staff gathered to open them together — and the reaction was instant joy and gratitude.
“Everyone was amazed by the quality and bright colors of the coats! We were also deeply touched to learn that this cause is personal to Subaru staff, including employees with foster care experiences and some wanting to learn more about the fostering and adoption process,” shared Whitney.
It was a powerful reminder that this gift was more than a donation — it was personal, intentional, and rooted in genuine care for children who have experienced hardship.
Why This Matters So Much in the Winter
For many children entering foster care, basic necessities aren’t guaranteed. Winter can be especially difficult, adding another layer of stress for both kids and caregivers.
“We’ve seen kids arrive without coats or using blankets to stay warm,” Whitney explained. “Winter adds extra stress for foster families, and this gift helps remove one more burden while ensuring kids feel safe, warm, and cared for.”
A warm coat may seem like a small thing, but for a child who has just experienced trauma, separation, or uncertainty, it can be deeply symbolic. “A coat may seem simple, but for a child entering foster care with very little — sometimes with only a trash bag — it’s a powerful reminder that someone sees them and cares.”
Thank You, Subaru
We are incredibly grateful to Subaru and their employees for choosing EmberHope and for demonstrating what compassionate corporate partnership truly looks like. This donation will immediately impact children across our programs, offering warmth, dignity, and a tangible reminder that they are not forgotten.
Want to Help Keep Kids Safe, Warm, and Supported?
Community support makes moments like this possible — and there are so many ways to get involved:
- Make a donation to support urgent needs for children and families
- Host or participate in donation drives for essentials like clothing and school supplies
- Learn more about fostering, adopting, or mentoring
- Partner with us as a business, church, or community group
Every act of support helps wrap a child in hope, stability, and care.
To donate or get involved, visit our Foundation page and stand with us as we continue serving children and families across Kansas.
