Photo of the Day: Sleep Train Helps Foster Kids Out

Children in the foster care system face enormous challenges. But during this Back to School season, Sacramento-based mattress store wants to make their lives a little easier.

Local stores will collect new clothes, shoes and school supplies for the nearly 60,000 in the California foster system. Their fundraising efforts is clearly evident at their Mountain View location

"People come everyday to drop things off," said Jason Reid, an employee at the store at 804 E. El Camino Real on the corner of Sylvan Avenue. "It's not just for back to school, but throughout the entire year."

According to Reid, a truck stops by twice a week to pick up two to three bags of donated items. The items then get distributed to foster care organizations in Santa Clara County, which include Families for Children and Child Advocates of Silicon Valley.

While the Back to School drive ends Monday, interested donors can also donate online or by mailing a check to Sleep Train Foster Kids, 2205 Plaza Drive, Rocklin, CA 95765.

WHAT: Sleep Train’s School Supply Drive for Foster Children
 
WHEN: Through Labor Day, Monday, Sept.5, 2011

WHERE: Donations of new school supplies can be made at any Sleep Train store. The store hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.