YEAR 6 — 2024
What I Did:
Job + Small Business
Local Partner:
Friends of Foster Kids
The Initiative
How I Earned Money to Give Back
In 10th grade, I continued working at the learning center as a junior admin, and I also grew my small business making personalized cups and coasters. I sold them at local art fairs, and all year I saved a portion of what I earned for Bag of Joy.
Action Taken
How I Used My Earnings to Help Kids
With the money I earned, I shopped for toys, accessories, and creative supplies for children in foster care. I also volunteered at Friends of Foster Kids to help with sorting and wrapping gifts, which made the experience even more meaningful.
Our Partner
How Friends of Foster Kids Helped Me Give Back
Friends of Foster Kids has supported my giving journey since 5th grade. This year, being in their holiday workroom again reminded me how much teamwork and care go into making each child’s Christmas special.
My JoyStory
The Feeling That Keeps Me Wanting to Do More
This year, the joy felt deeper. Earning my own money and using it to help kids made me feel more responsible and more connected to what Bag of Joy means. Knowing that something I worked hard for was going to make a child feel remembered gave me the kind of feeling that stays with you and makes you want to keep going.