As children whisper their wishes in Santa’s ear, stand in awe over half-eaten cookies and an empty glass of milk or squeal in delight opening their gifts, adults’ hearts overflow.

…but what about foster teens living in group homes or shelters?

Oftentimes, they sit on the sidelines during the holidays feeling that no one cares for them, Department of Human Services Child Welfare Specialist Debbie Osborn said.

Not wanting any teen to feel unloved, Osborn said several years ago she decided to organize a Christmas party for foster teens throughout the state.

“A lot of counties across the state will have Christmas parties for foster kids, but they are very much geared toward younger children,” Osborn said.

“I realized that teenagers really get left out and feel neglected by society, especially at Christmastime and I wanted to do something just for them.”

In its sixth year, the Foster Care Christmas party will be held on Monday, Dec. 18, at the Kingfisher County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building and will host 75 teens ranging in age from 14 to 17 years old.

Receiving no funding from the state, the event operates totally on donations and with help from volunteers.

Although there are many more teens in foster care within the state, Osborn said she set a maximum number of 75 based on what she realistically is able to manage.

During the event which runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., kids have the opportunity to choose gifts from tables of donated (unwrapped) gifts, play games, eat pizza and enjoy their own special time together.

“The goal is for each kid to be able to leave with at least three gifts,” Osborn said.

Having adopted two teens from the foster care system herself, Osborn said she asked them, as well as other teens, what type of gifts they would enjoy.

Some of the items they mentioned were name-brand socks, blankets (which actually fit a twin bed) and desk fans. Other items that have been popular at previous events, Osborn said, are skateboards, Nerf guns, make-up mirrors and phone charging accessories.

Osborn has created an Amazon wish list and she said any gift that seems like something a teenager would like, they probably will and is greatly appreciated as well as monetary donations.

A stocking stuffed with goodies is also provided to each teen and this year Okarche High School Student Council is sponsoring this portion.

Currently, Osborn said she has received about 20 percent of the gifts that are needed and would also appreciate any volunteers that can help set up, take down and run the games.

Additionally, Osborn said some of the other activities she would like to add to the event, if possible, are a snow-cone, cotton candy and/or popcorn machine as well as a photo booth or other fun activities.

Casey’s convenience stores has volunteered to provide pizzas for the party, but other snacks would be appreciated as well, Osborn added.

In the past Osborn has organized the party at various places, including The Stack, and is happy to be able to host it in Kingfisher again this year.

“It’s a lot of fun and I’m very excited to have it in Kingfisher,” Osborn said. “The community here is always so supportive.”

Another bonus this year, Osborn said, is that a group of individuals from Oklahoma Foster Youth Alumni have volunteered to attend. As former foster kids who’ve gone on to be successful adults, they can provide encouragement, support and inspiration for the teens, she said.

Although teens may feel particularly left out at Christmastime, Osborn said they can also feel neglected in general as they grow up in group homes and shelters. Sometimes they will relegate their future to statistics which claim their future is bleak, she said.

“It doesn’t have to be that way,” Osborn said. “Many, such as those in OFYA, have gone on to prove the statistics wrong, leading a successful life.”

Osborn recited a favorite quote by Josh Shipp, an author, motivational speaker and former foster teen of Oklahoma: “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.”

“We have to convince them that there are people and communities that care about them,” Osborn said.

For more information and a link to the Amazon gift wishlist or to contact Osborn, check out her Facebook page.