Kim Emmons, co-founder of Foster Champs of Maple Valley, was recently honored with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angels in Adoption award in Washington, D.C.

Emmons was recommended for the award by Rep. Dave Reichert of the 8th District.

“I am so thankful for Mrs. Emmons’ unrelenting work in helping meet the needs of Maple Valley area foster children and their families and could not be more pleased to honor her with the Angels in Adoption nomination,” Reichert said in a statement Tuesday.

Emmons, alongside 103 other honorees from across the United States and seven from Washington, received the award for her work and dedication with foster children.

She and her husband co-founded Foster Champs of Maple Valley in 2012 when the couple brought their foster child, Ery, into their home.

“From day one of being licensed I saw the tremendous need for support both financially and emotionally by not only the foster children but their families, too,” Emmons said.

One of the ways the organization helps foster kids in the area is with duffle bags. Emmons said when kids are placed in a new foster home, they often only come with the clothes on their back. That day a volunteer from Foster Champs goes to the new home with a duffle bag full of items specific to that child, including toiletries, clothes, supplies and a comfort item.

The duffle bags are sponsored through the Maple Valley Rotary Club.

Foster Champs also provides the kids with a homemade blanket and pillow case from a local sewing circle, Emmons said.

The group’s fourth annual Christmas party, a time where local foster families can celebrate the holiday with crafts, live music and time with Santa, will happen in December.

Emmons said Foster Champs relies completely on donations from businesses and individuals to support local foster kids and their families. She said they will begin applying for grants in 2016.

For more information on Foster Champs of Maple Valley go to www.fosterchamps.org.