Rae, 19 years old, NC | 41 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

Despite experiencing more hardship than most people her age, Rae continues to show remarkable resilience and hope. After spending time in and out of foster care, losing her mom to illness, and even experiencing homelessness while finishing high school, she has never stopped working toward a brighter future. Now, she is dedicated to a community stabilization program, taking meaningful steps to build the life she deserves. At first, she is often quiet and reserved, but once she feels safe, her playful, goofy personality shines through. She loves making her friends laugh, has a special place in her heart for every animal she meets, and has a natural talent for putting together the cutest outfits that reflect her creativity and personality.

A gift card for new shoes would be an incredibly meaningful gift for Rae during this season of rebuilding her life. Because she is currently between stable housing, replacing worn-out shoes has understandably taken a back seat to meeting her basic needs. Rae has a difficult time finding shoes that fit comfortably, so being able to shop in person at a store with plenty of options would make all the difference. More than anything, she hopes to find a pair in her favorite color. Shoes that not only fit well but also help her feel like herself.