Most folks can relate to being away from family at the holidays. There is probably someone living far away you wish you could hug. Imagine being a foster child who is split from his or her biological family. Thank goodness strangers open their homes to shelter the children.
Northwest Youth Services, an agency that serves troubled foster children, asked young clients if they would like to write to Santa Claus. We can’t tell you the children’s last names or where they live around Snohomish County, but you can still get them a gift. Here are some Christmas wishes:
Rebecca, 6, would like puzzles.
Heather, 6, who also wanted puzzles and a Barbie cash register, wanted to tell Santa she is thankful for her foster parents.
Teresah, 11, would like size 16 girls or size 3 junior pants and a CD by Alicia Keys.
Kirstin wrote "Hi, I am 12 years old and going to be 13. I have a lot of things that I want for Christmas, but most of all, I want bell bottom jeans, size 7 in the junior section. I also want a gift certificate to get my nails done with fake ones. Bye Santa."
Zack, 11, wrote that he has been pretty good this year, but he doesn’t know if he will get anything for Christmas or not. "I would like some Legos and some Pokemon cards if you have them. I don’t know if elves can make those. How are you so fat if you only eat cookies on Christmas? What does Mrs. Claus feed you? Sincerely, Zack."
Joe, 13, promised to be good the rest of this year and all of next year if he could have an Xbox or Play Station 2.
Marcus, 15, thought he was a little old to write to Santa, but nevertheless said he would like to make sure his brother and sister have a happy holiday. His CD player just broke so a new one would be nice. "I know how it is being in foster care, so I want all the other kids in foster care to have a good Christmas and try to get the best out of life."
Derek, 16, has been with his foster family for four years. He would like a new basketball, anything else for sports or a gift certificate for CDs.
Brothers Joseph, 15, and Roger, 13, both said they need sweat shirts, size large, but Roger doesn’t want the same color as his brother. Joseph would like anything that has to do with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Matt, 13, is looking forward to a reunion with his mother next year. He would like Sega games or a gift certificate for CDs.
Another Matt, 14, would like an Ecko brand sweat shirt, size extra large, with long sleeves. He wrote, "I’m getting too old for this, but I still think you’re the man, Santa."
Joe, 13, wondered if Santa was "cold up there, ha ha." He would like computer games or a gift certificate for the Everett Mall.
Charles, 15, said "Santa, you are a good guy. I’ve lived with this family forever, and they’re nice to me. My parents are gone somewhere. I’d like Sonics stuff, if that’s possible."
Andrew, 17, said, "I will be out of foster care when I turn 18 this year. I’d like stuff for my apartment. I need everything. Thanks for the memories when I was little."
Michael, 17, said, "I know who you really are, but I won’t say more because little kids might read this. I like to go to the malls with my brothers, so I would like movie tickets. Thank you for my foster parents. They are good people. God bless you."
Kyle, 16, wondered if Santa knows who he is. "I’m in high school now, so no more baby stuff, please. I’d like toys for my dog and a CD player. Happy Christmas."
Melissa wants a Barbie doll and a Nintendo. She is thankful for her foster family.
Frank, 11, said please bring Hot Wheels, a yellow backpack and a remote-controlled monster truck. "If you can’t do all that, please, please, get me a monster truck."
Olivia, 6, wants a Barbie cash register.
Kristie, 11, would like a CD by a singer named Pink and size 9 slippers.
Diana, 14, said this year she will finally have a happy Christmas. "All the other years have been sad. I live with a family now who loves me and cares about me. Could you please bring me a bathrobe, women’s size small, blue or red? Slippers might be nice, too, small or medium."
So readers, if you can fulfill any wishes, deliver gifts from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday to 3201 Broadway, Suite B in Everett. To arrange a different dropoff time, call Carrie Schamens at 425-339-0266, ext. 109.
You can’t hug these children, but you can let them know you care.
Kristi O’Harran’s column appears Tuesdays and Fridays. If you have an idea for her, call 425-339-3451 or e-mail oharran@heraldnet.com.
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