MEBANE, N.C. — A Christmas celebration took place in Mebane, but not just any celebration - this was for foster and adoptive families.
Eighty-five foster children were in attendance. This comes at a time when the need for more foster families is critical in the state.
"North Carolina has been in a crisis. We have so many children in care and not enough families," Foster Family Specialist with the Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina, Jerrie Teague said.
According to the Children's Home Society of North Carolina, there are more than 12,000 kids in foster care but there are only 5,000 total licensed foster homes statewide, leaving more than half of those kids without a home.
11-year-old Royce Hogsed knows firsthand how a foster home can change a child's life. He was adopted by his foster parents on December 16, 2019.
"I've been in the same place. I haven't had to move around," Royce Hogsed said with a smile.
The Hogseds intended to only foster Royce, but after three years, his mom Jane Hogsed said it was clear he was meant to be a part of the family.
"He has completed our family," Jane said.
One of the things Royce is most thankful for is having someone to advocate for him.
"You have to have somebody to stand up for you. When you have nobody to stand up for you, you feel smaller," Royce said.
A role his mother takes very seriously.
"Everybody needs a family. Every kid needs somebody to look up to - they need someone to love them, and who is gonna fight for them," Jane said.
In the process of becoming a Hogsed, Royce has gained three brothers and two sisters,
"Somebody's always by my side, like my mom, or my brother, or my sister. I got somebody to look forward to seeing every day," Royce said.
He also gained a lifetime of making memories with his family.
WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman asked some of the foster parents what others could do to support them and their families during the holidays. A foster parent with the alliance said it can be as easy as taking a meal to a family, buying a Christmas present for the kids, or babysitting for a night because as the saying goes: it takes a village.