Mercedes, 27 years old, CA |

Wish submitted by:

Mercedes is a full-time college student who manages her academics, work responsibilities, and living expenses on her own. She consistently balances school with internships and community leadership roles, but her budget is stretched thin due to the rising cost of groceries and basic household supplies. Even with careful planning, the end of each month becomes a struggle as food and essentials compete with transportation costs, school materials, and rent. Her priority is maintaining stability so she can continue attending classes and meeting her responsibilities without interruption. An Amazon or Ralphs gift card would lift a significant financial strain and ensure she can keep her home stocked with groceries and the basic items she needs. This support would allow her to stay focused on school and maintain her progress without the constant worry of how to cover her next set of meals and household necessities.

This year, we want to show our older members how much they matter to us. Instead of giving out a specific item, we would love for them to have the autonomy to choose their gifts by having a gift card. We would love everyone to choose what they truly need or enjoy. Many organizations stop supporting people once they turn 24, or have many barriers, but we believe every one of our members deserves to feel remembered, valued, and cared for, especially during the holiday season. Our goal is simple: to make sure they feel seen and supported.