Our Story
Riddley’s Helping Hands was born out of both a moment of urgency and a story of deep love. When Mara and her family welcomed their foster son Derek into their home, he arrived with only the clothes on his back and two mismatched long-sleeve pajamas—in the middle of a hot July day. Within hours, friends and family rallied around them, providing everything he needed.
While Mara was incredibly grateful, that moment opened her eyes to a hard truth: not every foster family has a village ready to respond, and not every child enters care with even the most basic necessities.
She knew something had to change. Mara felt called to bridge that gap—to create a way for foster families to quickly access essential items so they could focus less on scrambling for resources and more on caring for the children placed in their homes.
But the heart behind Riddley’s Helping Hands goes even deeper.
In 2018, Mara’s son, Riddley, was born into heaven—an unimaginable loss that forever changed her life. In the midst of grief, her family was once again surrounded by an outpouring of love and support from their community. Through that experience, Mara felt a strong calling to honor Riddley’s life by serving others in their time of need.
Riddley’s Helping Hands became that legacy.
Today, the mission is simple but powerful: to support foster families, meet tangible needs quickly, and most importantly, ensure that every child who enters care feels seen, valued, and loved.
Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and cared for—especially in moments of uncertainty. When a child enters foster care, it often happens quickly, and they arrive with very little. Through Riddley’s Helping Hands, we are able to respond immediately—providing clothing, hygiene items, and essentials so families can focus on what matters most: loving and supporting that child. But we can’t do it alone. Your support helps us say “yes” when the next call comes. Whether you give, donate items, or share our mission, you are making a direct impact in the life of a child.
Join us in loving, serving, and showing up when it matters most.
Be Part of the Story
Why We Do This
The Mission
Providing essentials like clothing and hygiene products directly to children in Tennessee DCS care and families facing hardship.
The Heart
Restoring dignity, comfort, and hope to every child we serve, ensuring they feel supported and valued by their community.
The Vision
A community where no child goes without the basics and every family has the resources needed to overcome sudden hardship.
Romans 12:13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.