NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — As inflation drives prices up for essentials, parents face tight budgets, but thanks to a nonprofit organization, some foster children are getting the help they need. 

Sebastian is one of thousands of foster youth who visit the Foster Children’s Resource Center in Northridge to shop around for items such as school supplies, grooming products and clothes completely free. 

“A homework book, and then I got some five Hot Wheels, and then I got books,” said Sebastian.

Foster Children’s Resource Center is one of five programs offered by the Assistance League of Los Angeles. The center provides each foster child with the supplies they desperately need, especially for school. 

League member Judy Davis said foster children are often removed from their homes in the middle of the night with only the clothes on their back.

“The kids come in. Some of them, there’s a family with three or four and one kid is wearing one sock and the other kid is wearing the other. I’ve had a child tell me, ‘I can’t believe I get my own toothbrush. I’ve never had my own toothbrush before,’” said Davis.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall, apparel is up over 5%, educational books and supplies are up 3.7% and stationery is up 13%.

Mary Coffman said those prices are unaffordable for foster families whose budgets are already tight.

“For many kids, this is their Christmas presents, their birthday presents. Whatever it is, but the thing that they like the most, is the toys,” said Coffman.

Sure enough, getting a toy was pure joy for Sebastian, something he said he was very grateful for.

“Thank you, I really appreciate it,” he said as he left with more than just new items, but also a sense of self-esteem and an experience he will never forget.