By Cindy Adams

David Wright is a Senior Airman stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. He and his wife, Savanah, moved from Oklahoma with the military. They brought with them a desire that was stirred back in their hometown—helping foster families.

David’s mother-in-law was a caseworker at a foster care agency in Kansas where they first got involved in fundraising initiatives to help families. From community runs to polar plunges, they were immersed in doing what was needed to further the cause. They even volunteered to babysit children so the adults could have a break. David and Savanah were all in, so their relocation out of state left them feeling somewhat all out.

David started doing a little digging and found enCircle.

"I really missed helping the families," David said. "I know winter can be tough on parents, especially those with multiple growing children, so I decided to organize a coat drive."

David said it’s not difficult to set up some boxes and ask for donations. He has done that within his own squadron and has extended the drive to nearby units as well, in hopes of getting more people interested.

"In the military, we work long days which makes it difficult to get involved in some things, but if you think of something simple and just do it, it can make a big difference. Putting out a box and a note doesn’t take much time. I hope the effort puts a seed in the minds of others that they can help, too."

One of the reasons David and Savanah like supporting foster families is because they do not have children, and they have a big place in their hearts for them. Savanah’s parents also did not have biological children but fostered for nearly 30 years and adopted four children. She was the youngest. Supporting foster families comes naturally.

"I was definitely blessed in my upbringing and there’s always someone less fortunate so if I can help, I want to," David said. "I’ve just always had helping in my heart."

David will drive two hours to deliver the coats he collects, and he calls that commute "not bad."

"I like putting a smile on someone’s face. It puts a smile on mine," he said. "And the more people we can get involved, the more smiles we can produce."

That’s the beauty of giving.

If you would like to partner with enCircle to support one of our programs, please contact our team at philanthropy@enCircleAll.org.