Big Sky Times

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) today announced that it has received generous donations from Intrepid Credit Union and Toys for Tots to support children in foster care throughout Montana.

“We are extremely thankful for the generosity of these organizations," said Rob Lawler, coordinator of the Office of Faith and Community Based Services (OFCBS) at DPHHS. “These gifts will certainly brighten the day for these families.”

Intrepid Credit Union, with offices in Helena, Bozeman, and Billings, donated 83 large duffel bags, each containing a bear, blanket, coloring book, brush, and crayons. Lawler noted that the bags will be distributed to DPHHS Child and Family Services Division (CFSD) field offices.

“The success of this project underscores the positive impact we can make in the lives of children when we all work together,” said Kimberly Worthy, Vice President of People and Culture at Intrepid Credit Union. “We are grateful for this opportunity to give back to Montana communities.”

Hasbro recently donated $1 million in toys to the Toys for Tots Foundation. Two truckloads of toys were requested and delivered to Helena. One truckload containing 26 pallets was delivered to Family Services at the Montana National Guard at Fort Harrison. The other truckload included a semi-load of 10,494 toys on 26 pallets.

To date, toys have been distributed to Red Lodge, Lame Deer, Broadus, Baker, Wibaux, Sidney, Savage, and Glendive. Lawler mentioned he is arranging additional toy drop-offs across Montana in the coming weeks.

More information about OFCBS can be found on its website. The OFCBS serves as a liaison between DPHHS and faith/community organizations across Montana to establish public-private partnerships addressing health and wellness needs effectively.

The Montana 68th Legislature 2023 Session's SB 163 established a volunteer program within DPHHS to support CFSD. This rule created a registration portal for volunteers interested in supporting CFSD. Organizations or individuals interested in registering with OFCBS are encouraged to visit the Child Welfare Volunteer Portal.