Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rainie’s open to the public (to everyone)?
No. Rainie’s services are available to Foster and Kinship families only. Placement papers and photo identification together with the foster child’s name and age will be required to register for Rainie’s support and services.
When is Rainie’s open?
Rainie’s is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00am to 1:00pm and every third Saturday. We are also available by appointment and for emergency placements. Phone or text #716-465-8697 or #716-316-9043 for scheduling.
Can Rainie’s support an emergency placement outside regular business hours; days not open?
Yes! Rainie’s team are generally available 24/7 for emergency placements/situations. Phone or text #716-465-8697 or #716-316-9043 as needed.
What is the cost or fees to use Rainie’s services?
Rainie’s Foster Closet supplies durable goods, clothing, and other children’s and young adult necessities at NO COST to eligible foster and kinship families.
What is required for a family to ‘get started’ using Rainie’s Foster Closet?
You will need to present your placement papers and photo identification together with your foster child’s name and age to register. This can be done on your first visit to Rainie’s.
What ages does Rainie’s Foster Closet support/service?
Rainie’s supports all ages within a Foster/Kinship family (paperwork required); typically, infant through age 18.
What items are available from Rainie’s? Is it just clothing?
Rainie’s supplies clothing appropriate for each season as well as personal care items, durable goods, and other children’s and young adult necessities. Examples of items often available follow…
| Car/Booster Seats | Clothing | Personal Care Items | Shoes/Boots/Sneakers |
| Cribs/Toddler Beds | Socks | Diaper Bags | Seasonal Outerwear |
| Strollers | Underwear | School Supplies | Toys |
| Highchairs | Diapers/Pull Ups | Gym Bags/Backpacks | Books |
What are Rainie’s rules or guidelines for services – number of items per visit? number of visits per year?
Rainie’s Foster Closet offers up to seven (7) days of clothing per child available four (4x) times a year or every three (3) months including personal care items (diapers, wipes, undergarments, etc…). Two (2) large items will be supplied once (1x) a year based upon availability and need — car seats, strollers, youth beds, changing tables, highchairs, dressers, etc…
What items will be provided new (not previously used) versus second-hand?
Rainie’s makes a conscious effort (with the assistance of grants and fundraising) to maintain an inventory of undergarments, diapers, socks, car and booster seats, personal care items and other essential, one-owner items for ready availability and distribution.
Does Rainie’s accept/utilize community volunteers?
Yes! Rainie’s is a volunteer, donation-based, non-profit organization. We welcome and encourage community volunteers of all ages as an independent helper (by yourself) or as a group service project – High School, Church, Corporate Event, etc… NOTE: All service projects to be reviewed and approved by Rainie’s team in advance. Phone or text #716-465-8697 or #716-316-9043 for scheduling and capacity guidelines.
Is Rainie’s a non-profit organization?
Yes! Rainie’s is registered as an independent 501c3 organization – Rainies Foster Closet, Inc.
How is Rainie’s funded? Will Rainie’s accept community donations and/or corporate sponsorships?
Rainie’s operations are dependent upon community donations (durable goods and financial) as well as a variety of grants and fundraising projects. The involvement of numerous organizations and congregations (fundraising, clothing drives, volunteer time) has expanded Rainie’s Foster Closet to a collaborative, community effort; no longer a sole ministry of a few! Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. NOTE: All group/large donations (durable goods and financial) to be reviewed and approved by Rainie’s team in advance. Phone or text #716-465-8697 or #716-316-9043 for scheduling and capacity guidelines.
Does Rainie’s provide any organization-oriented presentations?
Yes! Rainie’s team welcomes the opportunity to visit and speak to groups and organizations specific to Rainie’s Foster Closet’s mission and community support. Phone or text #716-465-8697 or #716-316-9043 for scheduling.
Does Rainie’s hold any special events?
Yes! Rainie’s targets a minimum of two (2) Family Fun Social Events per year providing our foster families with the opportunity to interact with and get to know others in similar circumstances. Rainie’s annual ‘Breakfast with Santa’ provides great fun, food, and fellowship to our foster children and their families. Watch our calendar for upcoming events!
