As the holidays approach each year, a common refrain among family and friends begins popping up: “What would you like for Christmas?” For teenagers in the foster care system, this is a question that many of them don’t get to ask.

Because of their age and the fact that they don’t really have a stable or permanent home, these youth are often forgotten during the holidays. The teenagers that live in non-relative, non-adoptive, non-parent foster homes had come not to expect gifts; they wouldn’t even know who to ask for a gift. It’s not the fault of the system, or the fault of the foster parents; just like you and I, they have to make decisions about spending every year.

Abuse and neglect are the two most common reasons a child ends up in foster care. But regardless of the reasons, these teens did not ask to be foster children, and the holidays can be one of the hardest times of the year for them.

At The Radio Station, we wanted to make a difference in the lives of these youth. That’s why, eighteen years ago, Pump Up the Kids was created. It is a partnership between 94/7 Alternative Anchorage (KZND), The Center for Resource Families, and the State of Alaska. Pump Up the Kids aims to make each Christmas memorable for these Alaska’s foster kids by giving teens who are in non-relative, non-adoptive, non-parent foster homes a Christmas they would otherwise not enjoy.

How it works: Foster youth ages 13-18 who are given the chance to tell us what they want for the holidays. Wish lists are distributed to the teens via the social workers assigned to them and the teens are allowed to ask for whatever they want (up to 5 items). Once the wish lists are completed, they come back to The Radio Station. We then reach out to our listeners and the business community asking that they come together to “adopt” these teens.

As you can imagine, the wish lists cover a wide range of items. Some of the youth want the same things as any other child their age. Others have been deprived of the most basic items that seemingly simple things give great joy to their holiday season. Overall, for the kids, the very thought that someone is thinking of them during the Holiday season and would be kind enough to buy them presents is often the most prized gift of all for these teens.

Join the generous individuals and businesses of our community to help make these foster teens Christmas awesome during the 18^th annual Pump Up the Kids!

How to adopt a list: If you would like to adopt a list or several just fill out the form at alternativeanchorage.com/pumpupthekids