ABOUT
PROJECT FOSTER
OUR STORY
The concept for Project Foster (formerly, "My Own – A Case for Kids”) 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 was born.
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Foster Children are typically removed from their homes at a moment’s notice and are handed a plastic trash bag to quickly collect their belongings. Often, because of the inherent trauma in the situation, they manage to bring very little with them. Referred to as “trash bag kids,” these children are often left to deal with traumatic separations with little dignity and hope. Project Foster founder, Debby Thrailkill 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.
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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 3300 kids in Orange County foster care). Project Foster flourished thanks to the generosity of individuals, companies and nonprofit organizations. Two years later, over 2,600 bags, filled with hope and kindness, have been delivered to Orange County Foster kids who now have ‘their own stuff.” Debby hopes to have her garage back soon as the Women's Club is actively seeking new space where we can expand operations to accommodate needy children outside the foster care program.
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 “My Own—a Case for Kids” to DPWC’s family of philanthropic programs, rebranding it with the more succinct name of “Project Foster”, as it had always been referred to within DPWC.
This decision allowed Project Foster 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 and her Co-Chair Kelly Berke, as new members of DPWC, continue to run Project Foster on a day to day basis, providing ongoing support and hope for Orange County’s foster kids and other vulnerable children.
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.
