December 28, 2021 - Update! 

These are a few of the thank you messages we got back from our gift donations. Your impact is being felt!

December 20, 2021

Every year nearly 500,000 children spend time in our nation’s foster care system. In virtually every case, these children are deeply impacted by neglect, abuse, and trauma. Thankfully, there are many wonderful people and families that welcome these foster children into their homes, but the unfortunate reality is the foster care process can be a lonely, confusing experience. This is especially true around the holidays when many of these kids are reminded of their heartbreaking situations.

This month we were thrilled to partner with One Simple Wish – a nonprofit that enables anyone to grant simple wishes to foster care children across the US. This wonderful organization works tirelessly to amplify the voices of every single child who has been impacted by foster care.

One Simple Wish has created an innovative “wish-granting platform,” where people can send love to a child who needs it. When wishes come true, kids not only have a chance to just be kids, but they can also make important connections, experience new things, and find their passion!

One Simple Wish was created by Danielle Gletow in 2008. Danielle was a successful marketing executive working for a big firm who represented several mainline corporations. She and her husband were also foster parents. After experiencing the highs and lows working within the foster care system, she ultimately decided to leave the corporate world and dedicate her life to advocating for the rights and support of foster children in the United States. Since then, Danielle has grown One Simple Wish into a nationwide organization that helps more than 20,000 foster kids ever year. Her organization has been featured in countless media profiles including the Christian Science Monitor, NBC Nightly News, the Katie Couric Show, the Nate Berkus Show, Woman’s World, and The Star Ledger. Danielle was also named a “CNN Hero” in 2013 and she is very proud that One Simple Wish continues to be rated a “4-Star Charity” on Charity Navigator.

What Did We Give?

This month, the 9dollarclub helped grant wishes for 9 foster children! Working with Danielle and her team, we were able to learn more about each child and their wishes for the holiday season. Here is a list of the wishes the 9dollarclub was able to fulfill... 

Wish # 1 - A Helicopter Drone for Kerry to play with outside

Kerry, who is 13 years old and lives in Lynnwood, WA, loves remote control cars and playing flying games online. He also likes to fish and be outside a lot. He is in a foster care home and is very excited about Christmas and visiting his mom this holiday.

Wish # 2 - A Special Artie 3000 Robot for Shakira who loves coding

Shakira is 6 years old and lives in Asbury Park, NJ. Shakira is very adventurous, full of love, enjoys story time, dancing, and music. She also loves to draw, working on stem projects and spending time outdoors. Shakira is wishing for a new Artie 3000 robot that will keep her company during winter break.

Wish # 3 - A Fun, Educational Building Tile Set for Ndiasse to broaden her creativity and imagination

Ndiasse is a very special 5-year-old who lives New Orleans, LA. Although she has encountered many challenges in her young life, Ndiasse is full of love and enjoys painting and playing with building blocks. This Christmas, Ndiasse is wishing for a building tile set. She is very technical and loves a challenge and this set will definitely sharpen her precision skills. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up!

Wish # 4 – A New Bike for Aurav who wants to be a robotic engineer when he grows up

Aurav is an intelligent, studious 11-year-old boy who lives in New Orleans, LA. Aurav has faced personal and social challenges, but has made many strides and now loves making new friends. Currently he shares a bike with a friend but wishes for his own bike this year. He would love to spend time cruising to the park with his friends. Aurav will feel so special to have a new bike and see it under the tree on Christmas morning. He aspires to be a robotic engineer when he grows up!

Wish # 5 – New Shoes for Khrissy who loves looking stylish

Khrissy is 16 years old and lives in Charlotte, NC. She has asked for a gift card so she can go online and pick out a new pair of shoes to replace her older, worn-out pair. She talks constantly about attending college in a couple of years and wants to study environmental science. She enjoys looking her best and will have fun searching for her favorite style and colors!

Wish # 6 – A car for Damien to play pretend drive

Damien is 11 months old and lives in Los Angeles, CA. He is a sweet, curious boy who loves all things related to cars and noise. He loves the sound of sirens or honking. Damien is fascinated with rolling cars and shares many giggles when people play with him.

Wish # 7 – A Christmas Surprise for Jassire who is longing for a baby doll and stroller

Jassira is 4 years old and lives in Neptune, NJ. Unfortunately, Jassira, her mother, and her three brothers are currently homeless. They are staying in a motel and could not take many of their belongings with them. Jassira’s mom cannot afford Christmas gifts this year and doesn't know how to explain to a 4-year-old that Santa can't bring her presents. Jassira really wants a baby doll and a stroller to play with and will be so excited to find one under the tree!

Wish # 8 – Rolling Stone Easy Piano Sheet Music for Brendan who is learning to play the piano

Brendan is 14 years old and lives in Seaside, NJ. He has recently started taking piano lessons and is really enjoying it! Brendan is wishing for Rolling Stone Easy Piano Sheet Music because he likes that genre of music and wants to challenge himself!

Wish # 9 – A Lite Brite for Jona to create some beautiful designs

Jona is 6 years old and lives in Lebanon, PA. Along with her 2 siblings, Jona has been in care for 2 years and is hoping to be adopted into her forever home soon. She is full of energy and being able to engage in creative projects like building pictures out of lights, will give her joy and a sense of accomplishment.