lopez, 22 years old, CA

Wish submitted by:

Richard is a former foster youth whose life has been defined by resilience, grit, and an unwavering determination to build a brighter future. Throughout his foster care journey, he learned early on the value of perseverance, hard work, and kindness—qualities that continue to guide him today. Despite facing challenges that could have easily discouraged him, Richard chose to rise above them with quiet strength and a deep sense of purpose. He is driven and goal-oriented, recently taking a major step toward his future by applying to an electrician training program. Richard is passionate about hands-on work and takes pride in learning practical skills that will help him build stability and independence. His commitment to growth shows in everything he does. Beyond his work ethic, Richard is known for his respectful nature and genuine kindness. He approaches people with compassion and carries himself with humility, making him someone others naturally gravitate toward. Whether he’s helping out, learning something new, or pushing himself toward his goals, Richard does so with a positive spirit that inspires those around him.

Every school day, Richard needs a reliable way to bring his lunch, and right now, he doesn't have one. A cooler backpack would solve that, keeping his food fresh and giving him one less thing to think about as he heads out the door each morning. It's a small, practical thing, but for Richard, having something dependable to carry his lunch in would make an everyday part of his routine just a little bit easier.