ABOUT
PROJECT FOSTER
OUR STORY
The concept for Project Foster was born in December 2022, by founder Debby Thrailkill when she and her husband Joe decided to introduce their grandkids to a community service project - providing foster kids with much needed personal belongings. The family met at a local store and filled new rolling suitcases with essentials including clothing, hygiene items, pajamas, a pillowcase, blanket, books and a handwritten note of encouragement. The items were received with gratitude from Orange County’s Child and Family Services personnel, and with joy from the young recipients. After sharing the heartwarming story via social media, others decided to join in with their own families. The idea quickly snowballed from there, and Project Foster (initially called "My Own – A Case for Kids”) was born.
Kids facing sudden upheaval, whether due to chaotic living conditions, possible abuse or neglect, often leave their homes with only a few belongings hastily stuffed into a trash bag. Project Foster’s founder decided that Orange County could do better. Once this worthy concept began to attract generous volunteers and donors, she knew she could make a difference.
Initially using her own garage as a base, Debby and a small group of volunteers started with a modest goal – provide 340 filled bags per year (10% of the 3400 kids in Orange County foster care at the time). Project Foster flourished thanks to the generosity of individuals, companies and nonprofit organizations. On June 1, 2025 the group transferred its assets and was formally adopted by established nonprofit Dana Point Women’s Club. (My Own A Case For Kids, an unincorporated grassroots entity, ceased to exist). To date, over 3,700 cases have been filled with comfort and hope and delivered to Orange County Foster and at-risk kids.
In October, 2025, the Women’s Club leased a small warehouse in San Juan Capistrano which allows all the clothing, hygiene essentials and comfort items to be stored, sorted and put into duffle cases under one roof. Volunteers work various shifts throughout the week. Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 3 PM have been designated as open hours for drop off of NEW in-kind donations. The warehouse is located at 27130A Paseo Espada, Suite 1402, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.
Our Union with DPWC
Dana Point Women’s Club was one of the first charities to support the Project Foster cause from its inception as “My Own – A Case for Kids” in early 2023. On June 1, 2025, founder Debby Thrailkill and the Board of Dana Point Women’s Club (DPWC) mutually agreed to add the heart-warming cause to DPWC’s family of philanthropic programs, rebranding it with the name it had always had within DPWC - "Project Foster".
This decision allowed the program to benefit from an official 501 (c)(3) designation while being “adopted” by an established non-profit whose members have always loved and supported the cause. Founder Debby Thrailkill, now a DPWC member, continues to serve as Founder and Director of Development. Warehouse operations are managed by DPWC using experienced warehouse managers, leads and volunteers. All DPWC members, including Board members, serve without remuneration.
Accolades and Awards
OC presiding judges have praised the Project Foster program, citing the difference these cases make for foster children. A brand-new rolling suitcase of “my own stuff” helps break the cycle of trauma and demonstrates that people really do care. Founder Debby Thrailkill has received numerous awards including a “Kindness Award” from the city of Laguna Beach. She has been an LA Times Woman of the Year Nominee, “Helpful Honda Hero” in both 2024 and 2025, and has received Certificates of Recognition from the CA Assembly and County of Orange Children and Family Services, as well as being recognized in several radio and television segments. Project Foster has continued to receive awards from elected officials and was recently recognized for its exemplary service to vulnerable youth by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
