Miguel, 19 years old, OR

Wish submitted by:

Miguel lived with his uncle because his parents faced tough challenges that made it unsafe for him to stay with them. His uncle worked hard to provide a stable home and support Miguel during his childhood. However, things became more difficult as Miguel got older, and he ended up in foster care as a teenager. This change was really hard for him, and adjusting to a new home wasn’t easy at all. During this tough time, Miguel found comfort in the outdoors. Camping became his special escape—a place where he could relax, think, and feel free. Whether he was hiking in the woods, sleeping under the stars, or sitting by a calm lake, being in nature helped him cope with everything going on around him. Miguel also has two younger siblings who are still in foster care, and he hopes they can be reunited with their uncle soon. He tries to stay connected with them, letting them know they’re not alone. No matter what, Miguel is determined to support his siblings, just like he wished someone had done for him when he first entered foster care.

Miguel is seeking assistance to buy food and household essentials due to the government shutdown, which is affecting his income. This disruption has made it difficult for him to maintain a sufficient supply of groceries at home. A gift card would enable him to purchase food in bulk—such as produce, meat, and pantry staples—along with other necessary items to help him through this challenging period until things stabilize.