WASHINGTON, D.C., May 13, 2003 — May is National Foster Care Month, a time to honor America's foster care families and to support the hopes and dreams of children in foster care. On Saturday, May 17 th , Strawbridge's and Kids Care Clubs, a program of the Points of Lights Foundation, will team up to support children in foster care. Strawbridge's is donating duffel bags and an assortment of personal items. Young members of Kids Care Clubs will assemble the bags and make cards of support for the foster care children who will receive the bags. The event will take place from 1pm to 2pm at the following stores: King of Prussia, Springfield and Suburban Square in the Philadelphia area, Concord in Delaware and Moorestown in New Jersey.

President George W. Bush recently proclaimed, "For many children, foster parents provide a safe haven until they can return home or be placed with an adoptive family. Across our Nation, approximately 570,000 children are living in foster care. During this month, we honor foster and adoptive parents, mentors, community organizations, and all individuals who embrace the lives of young people in need."

Information about foster care and becoming a foster care parent will be available at the stores. The following agencies are participating in the event and will receive the donated bags: Children and Youth Services of Delaware County/Upper Darby, Catholic Charities, Silver Springs - Martin Luther School in the Philadelphia area, Division of Family Services, Foster Care Unit in Delaware and the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services.

"Many children leave their homes and enter foster care with only a few possessions tossed in a plastic bag, " said Cynthia Scherer, Vice President of Youth Outreach at the Points of Light Foundation. "We are grateful to Strawbridge's for donating blankets, nightlights, stuffed animals, toothbrushes and an assortment of other kids' items including socks, clothing and small toys."

"Strawbridge's is proud to partner with Kids Care Clubs to provide the necessary items for foster care children. We have a deep commitment to the children in our community and this is another opportunity for us to help," said Nancy Chistolini , Senior Vice President, Fashion & Public Relations for Hecht's and Strawbridge's.

To learn more about Kids Care Clubs, visit www.kidscare.org, call (203) 656-8052 or email kidscare@pointsoflight.org.

Kids Care Clubs is a program of the Points of Light Foundation. Since 1991, Kids Care Clubs has been providing meaningful hands-on service opportunities for children to develop compassion and the spirit of service and philanthropy by helping others in their local, national and global communities.

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network supports the vital work of millions of volunteers, who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities nationwide. For more information about local volunteer activities, call 1-800-VOLUNTEER, or visit www.1-800-volunteer.org.