Names shared with permission from guardians and caretakers.
Detroit, Michigan
"I want to be a teacher, so no child feels alone like I did."
Emma lost both parents at seven. She lives with her elderly grandmother and often goes to school on an empty stomach. She's top of her class anyway.
Emma's Christmas wish
Storybooks + Backpack · $35
Memphis, Tennessee
"I have never had shoes that were mine."
Jaylen has moved between motels and shelters since he was nine. He owns one jacket. Some days school lunch is his only meal, and still helps the younger boys find food first.
Jaylen's Christmas wish
First Pair of Shoes · $26
Phoenix, Arizona
"I just want my sister to have a doll for Christmas."
After their mother passed, 9-year-old Mateo became his little sister's whole world. He cooks, cleans and walks her to school. He's never once asked for anything for himself.
Mateo & Sofia's Christmas wish
Teddy & Doll Comfort Pair · $24
Columbus, Ohio
"Noah thinks Santa can't find us here. I want to prove him wrong."
When their dad lost his job and then their apartment, Lily and Noah moved into a family shelter with one suitcase between them. Lily reads to Noah every night so he isn't scared of the new room.
Lily & Noah's Christmas wish
Teddy & Doll Comfort Pair · $24
Baltimore, Maryland
"I give Jordan my blanket when it gets cold. I'm the big brother."
Marcus and Jordan have been in three different housing programs this year. Their mom works nights. Marcus makes sure Jordan brushes his teeth, does his homework, and never goes to bed hungry — even when it means he does.
Marcus & Jordan's Christmas wish
Blanket, Pillow & Sleeping Bag · $28
Gallup, New Mexico
"Grandma says I'm her whole heart. I want to give her a reason to smile."
Aiyana lost her mother last spring. She now lives with her grandmother on a fixed income in a two-room home with no reliable heat. She walks to the bus in sneakers with holes in the toes.
Aiyana's Christmas wish
Warm Clothing Bundle · $39
Fresno, California
"If I can only get one thing, let it be for Luna."
At 12, Rosa is the one holding her family together while their mom recovers from surgery. She cooks, braids Luna's hair and walks Diego to school. Most weeks the fridge is nearly empty by Thursday.
Rosa, Diego & Luna's Christmas wish
Family Food Pack (1 month) · $45
Seattle, Washington
"We read the same book every night — it's the only one we have."
Danny and Mia spent seven months sleeping in their mom's car. They shower at the community center, do homework in its reading corner, and fall asleep on one thin mattress in a shelter room, with a single bag of clothes between them. Danny reads to Mia every night so she doesn't fall behind — from the same borrowed library book, over and over.
Danny & Mia's Christmas wish
Storybooks + Backpack · $35
