Corina, 23 years old, OR |

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Corina entered foster care at just ten years old, carrying more weight on her small shoulders than any child should. She experienced two unsuccessful adoptions that deepened her questions about trust and love, but never lost faith in the possibility of healing. Now a young adult who has aged out of the system, Corina dreams of becoming a therapist and public speaker to help others confront their trauma with courage and learn to love freely. Outside of her aspirations, she brings people together through comfort, warmth, and good food, hosting dinners that fill the room with laughter and connection. Sharing meals creates a sense of community for Corina, allowing her to offer others the feeling of home that she longed for during her childhood. In those moments with loved ones, she feels a quiet kind of healing unfold. Every dish she prepares and every conversation at her table contributes to her journey of rewriting her story and empowering others to do the same.

This year, Corina is hoping for a Target gift card so she can buy ingredients to do some holiday baking with her little siblings. After growing up in foster care and facing so much instability, these simple, cozy traditions mean everything to her. She wants to fill the kitchen with the smell of cookies, cupcakes, and warm spices, giving her siblings the kind of joyful memories she wished for as a child. Corina can pick out flour, sugar, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and all the little extras that make baking fun. More than just treats, these baking days are a way for her to bond with her siblings, create new traditions, and build a sense of love, home, and togetherness that will last long beyond the holidays.