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Local organization helps foster families in need

BY TARYN FITSIK

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. --Making a difference in the lives of foster children throughout the Capital Region---it's the goal of "The Quest for Grace Foundation".

Michele Ianniello says her motivation to start the organization came from within. Ianniello and her husband have been foster parents since 2003, calling it one of the most rewarding, yet hardest jobs she has had.

"I quickly realized, 9 out of 10 times, when children come into foster care, they come in with the clothing on their backs."

The Quest for Grace Foundation provides a week's worth of clothing to foster families throughout the Capital Region for free.

"It's a tough job and it helps them so they are not stressed over getting everything that a child needs," says Ianniello.

Ianniello's store leaves no stone un-turned with 13 rooms filled with clothes, toys, books, baby high-chairs and car seats.

Ianniello says she takes great pride in the quality of her donated merchandise, making sure it's in excellent condition. She says the main goal of her foundation is to make an often hard transition for children and their families a little bit easier.

"I see these children who have been through a lot, children who are put into the foster care system because of neglect or abuse, and if I can put a smile on their faces, even if it's for a short time, that's rewarding for me."

If you are interested in either donating to, or taking advantage of the Quest for Grace Foundation, go to http://thequestforgracefoundation.org/Home_Page.php