According to Foster Care, a Program of Nebraska Children's Home Society, or NCHS, there were 6,640 children in foster care in Nebraska during their fiscal year 2020 to 2021. Esther Martin, a Superior resident, was just as shocked when she heard the news. "I had no idea that there could be that many children in foster care. I didn't have the foggiest idea. You don't hear or read about it that much," said Esther.

Often children are abruptly removed from their households and enter foster homes without bringing any personal comforts of their own. "It hit a soft spot with me," said Esther. From tha...