Arkansas has an alarming number of children in foster care. There are currently nearly 4,500 kids in state custody, with more than 1,000 children having been in care for more than two years.

There are 363 currently waiting to be adopted. In an attempt to make Christmas a bit brighter for these children, First Security Bancorp is partnering with Restore Hope Arkansas and Red Door Tables to collect monetary and gift donations.

Restore Hope is a non-profit created to bridge the recognized gap between government services and communities struggling to reduce the rate of incarceration, to facilitate a successful re-entry from incarceration to freedom, and to reduce the number of children entering the state’s foster care system. Red Door Tables supports this organization, inviting businesses, churches, families and individuals around the state to partner in the effort to support those in the foster care system, whether children, parents seeking reunification or those opening their homes to the most vulnerable.

“This Christmas, Restore Hope and Red Door Tables are proud to partner with First Security Bank to support vulnerable Arkansas children,” said Andrew Baker, executive director Mitchell Center for Leadership & Ministry at Harding University and founder of Red Door Tables. “The need is great, and we have the opportunity to show support for the children who find themselves separated from their families this holiday season.

“Our hope is twofold: to raise awareness and to make sure on Christmas morning they all find gifts under the tree with their names on them.”

Now through Friday, Dec. 15, monetary gifts, store gift cards and new, unwrapped toys will be accepted at any First Security banking center throughout the state. Donations will be distributed to local children through partner agencies of the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services within each banking center community.

“We want Christmas to be a magical time for all children in our state, especially those who may not be with family and may otherwise dread the holiday season,” said Reynie Rutledge, First Security Bancorp chairman and CEO. “By hosting this collection in partnership with Restore Hope and Red Door Tables, we hope to bring a little bit of joy to their Christmas morning.”