Zaire, 18 years old, NJ | 9 DAYS WAITING

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Zaire is a kind and caring young man. He’s quiet at first, but once you get to know him, he becomes a funny and expressive storyteller. Zaire’s family lives in poverty, and he has known since he was a little boy that money is tight. He is deeply grateful to his mother, who has always made sure there was food on the table. Through it all, he has stayed open and warm, and he’s eager to make new friends as he begins his final year of school.

Zaire wants to make more friends, but after painful teasing, he has begun to feel that his shoes and clothes are holding him back socially. A new pair of Nike sneakers would be the biggest boost, helping him walk into school with confidence and open the door to new friendships. Zaire knows what he wears does not define him, but in a life where so many things have been out of reach because of cost, a fresh pair would help him feel like an equal among his peers. As he begins his last year of school, his own Nikes would help him start feeling ready, included, and proud of how he shows up.