This may be the ultimate “volunteer” assignment. It will take much more than a weekend of your time and will require a financial commitment for years. But, in the end, the reward is well worth the price.

Peggy Olson and her husband were licensed foster parents for less than 24 hours when they got the call last April. A 1-year-old boy had been neglected by his mother and needed a family.

The Our Children Matter campaign, sponsored by the Mesa United Way and the Tribune, is a two-month drive to help raise funds for children in need in the East Valley, including those who live in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Queen Creek. While in the past the focus has been on fun activities, the difficult economy switched the campaign's goals to basic needs of children: food, shelter and clothing. The goal is to raise $15,000 by July 31.

Living with an opportunity zone works out differently for different people, as Hank and Marion Klassen of Mesa have found.

Living with an opportunity zone works out differently for different people, as Hank and Marion Klassen of Mesa have found.

Arizona’s foster care families have a lot of their plate — and it adds up as children start to go back to school.

Janine McKay is helping the Mesa United Way put together Helen’s Closet, where foster care families can find new and gently used clothing, shoes, baby furniture and more.

Wendy Esquibel and her family have welcomed more than 40 foster care children in her home in the last eight years.

For 15 years, Deborah Courtney has opened her heart and home to neglected and abused children. The single Scottsdale mother admits she has encountered rough sailing along the way.

Turn 18 in foster care and you’re on your own.

Love animals? Consider being a foster parent to a cat, kitten, puppy or dog until a permanent loving home can be found for them.

Patrick Traufler’s incessant fussing and crying pushed his foster mother over the edge.

While the need for open homes is great, open hearts can be just as helpful to Arizona’s foster care system.

Two 16-year-old girls who fled the Colorado City polygamist community last month are missing from their foster home and have likely run away, officials said Tuesday.

A shortage of foster care homes is squeezing both foster parents and state Child Protective Services workers, causing them to bend licensing rules to give children places to sleep.

February 8, 2005