Office of Children and Youth Services

Ethel Beaver Children's Fund

About the Fund

The Ethel Beaver Children's Fund has been in existence since 1948. Its sole purpose is providing funds for Centre County children in the care of Centre County Children and Youth Services. Most of these children are in some type of foster care. Although the federal, state and county governments provide funds toward food, clothing, shelter and medical care, these funds are not enough to provide everything that a child needs to nurture their development as a parent normally would do. Foster parents provide love and guidance in abundance for free. Many foster families have several foster children in addition to their own. The costs of Little League registration and equipment, music lessons, school activities, graduation, proms, summer camp, Christmas presents, etc., are often limited for foster children. The Ethel Beaver Children's Fund attempts to provide these special things.

The fund is administered by the Advisory Board of Children and Youth Services. It derives its funds strictly from donations and 100% of the money donated goes to the children. There are no expenses because the members donate their time and abilities. They do this because they feel that these children should have the same advantages as other children and should not have to feel deprived.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Ethel Beaver Fund?

The Ethel Beaver fund helps pay for childhood expenses that many foster families cannot afford. One hundred percent of the money raised goes to the children. Money is given to foster parents or caseworkers so that each child can receive something they want, within monetary reason. Children 10 years of age and younger are allotted $75. Children older than 10 years of age receive $100. The Fund relies on contributions from private citizens. The Centre County Office of Children and Youth Services Advisory Commission administers the Ethel Beaver Fund throughout the year to the County's foster children.

What Does the Fund Provide Money For?

In addition to Christmas/Holiday gifts, other things are funded such as: Little League registration, sports camps, music and drama lessons, class trips, prom expenses, graduation expenses, summer camp and day camp, equipment for sports and many other scholarships to high school graduates so that their children have a chance to a better future.

Who is Ethel Beaver?

Ethel Beaver started the fund in 1948 as the director of Child Welfare Services (the predecessor to Children and Youth Services). Known as "Mother Beaver" to many, Beaver was concerned that the children of Centre County needed more than just the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter, so the "Fun Fund" was created to provide money to the county's foster children for expenses that foster families would not normally be able to afford.

What is the history of the fund?

Originally, people hung their monetary donations on a Christmas tree outside of the Register of Wills Office in the Centre County Courthouse. Eventually, more traditional ways of raising funds were established: the Children and Youth Services Advisory Commission was asked to oversee the Fund. The Fund was also renamed the Ethel Beaver Fund, in honor of Beaver's 24 years of service to the children and youth of Centre County. In 2007, the Fund spent $10,678.00 for 114 foster children in the county.

How Can I Make a Donation?

Tax-deductible donations to the Ethel Beaver Fund may be sent to:

  • The Ethel Beaver Children's Fund
    c/o Centre County Children and Youth Services
    420 Holmes Street, Willowbank Building
    Bellefonte, PA 16823

Or donate online using your credit card:

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For more information about Children and Youth Services and the Ethel Beaver Fund, call (814) 355-6755.