12-Year-Old Organizes Annual Socks and Undies Drive for Foster Kids

Ava Johnson's community event raises money to buy essential clothing items for children in foster care.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, blurred photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a pile of colorful children's socks and underwear, conveying the intimate feeling of providing essential care.A heartwarming community drive collects essential clothing items to support foster children's basic needs.Wichita Today

Ava Johnson, a 12-year-old girl from Wichita, Kansas, has organized an annual Socks and Undies Drive to raise money and collect essential clothing items for children in foster care. The idea for the drive came from Ava's family's own experience with foster care, as her mother had a foster care license and they often had to go out and buy socks and underwear for the children. This year's fundraiser and brunch was held at the Tallgrass Country Club, and Ava hopes the event can one day grow into a nationwide effort.

Why it matters

Foster children often lack access to basic necessities like socks and underwear, and Ava's drive helps to address this need in her local community. By organizing this annual event, Ava is raising awareness and making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

The details

Ava Johnson, now 12 years old, started the Socks and Undies Drive four years ago after her family's experience with foster care. When her mother had a foster care license, Ava and her family would frequently have to go out and purchase socks and underwear for the children. Ava decided to turn this need into an annual community event, with all proceeds going towards buying essential clothing items for foster kids.

  • Ava Johnson started the Socks and Undies Drive four years ago.
  • This year's fundraiser and brunch was held on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Ava Johnson

A 12-year-old girl from Wichita, Kansas who organizes an annual Socks and Undies Drive to raise money and collect essential clothing items for children in foster care.

Ava's mother

Had a foster care license, which inspired Ava to start the drive after frequently having to purchase socks and underwear for the foster children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'When my mom had her foster care license, we were always going out buying socks and underwear, so I decided to make Ava's Socks and Undies an annual thing.'”

— Ava Johnson, 12-year-old organizer

What’s next

Ava hopes the Socks and Undies Drive can one day grow into a nationwide effort to support foster children's essential needs.

The takeaway

Ava's inspiring community service work highlights the often overlooked needs of foster children, and demonstrates how one person can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.