As someone who has worked closely with foster care advocates for more than a decade, I’ve seen firsthand that little things can make a big difference for foster children and their families. Sometimes, the small victories are what life is all about – a clean plate, sleeping through the night, picking up the toys; each accomplishment is an important step as children grow up to be mature adults and is a victory worth celebrating.

It’s no different for foster parents. These small victories are just as important and the children in their care are just as worthy of being rewarded. Little victories can range from a foster child eating her vegetables for the first time to tying her shoes.

Mattress Firm Foster Kids’ “Little Victories”

Mattress Firm wants to use our reach to share the stories of these little victories with our supporters, and that’s why we’re proud to announce our new Mattress Firm Foster Kids “Little Victories” campaign. By celebrating these important moments, we hope to ensure that there are more of them in the future.

This campaign makes me think of our advocate, world champion gymnast Simone Biles. I’m sure she considers her gold medals and trophies to be her biggest accomplishments, but her foster parents might have felt the same kind of pride when she got her first A on a spelling test as they did last summer in Rio de Janeiro.

In short, every step of a foster child’s journey is important and deserves to be celebrated.

How You Can Help

From October 2 – 31, Mattress Firm is asking parents to share videos and photos on social media of their foster child’s “little victories.” Mattress Firm Foster Kids will collect footage using the hashtag #MFFKVictories.

For example, you could share video of practicing their reading, learning to tie their shoelaces, losing their first tooth, eating vegetables for the first time or being helpful in class on a difficult day.

Since joining the Mattress Firm team in 2004, I’m proud to have helped shape their platform to better shine a light on the nearly half a million foster children currently in the care of foster families across the country.

I hope you join me, Simone and Mattress Firm as we continue to pledge our support to foster families across the country and shine a light on little victories – no matter how big or small.

In addition to helping us promote small victories using #MFFKVictories, you can learn more about how you can join Mattress Firm in making a difference in the lives of foster children in your community by visiting  Mattress Firm Foster Kids website.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing the videos and pictures of your children accomplishing little things in a big way!