<div>✨At the age of 12, I was placed into the system. I moved to a brand new area away from home (Fayetteville), was placed in multiple schools as I transitioned from group homes to foster care, and finally aged out into the “Real” world at the age of 18.

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<div>At the beginning of this MAJOR period of my life, I felt so lost. Mentally, I felt confused. I felt so alone, especially when not often do you have family come visit you, except for mandatory meetings. Even more so, I was in a whole new city, new people, new culture, new life, and I didn't even know myself anymore. I had to relearn a whole new Marissa!

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<div>Fortunately, the complete “strangers” along the way that I had met completely changed my life for the better, believed in me, and became FAMILY. I didn’t EVER have to want for anything!

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<div>✨On the contrary, many of our youth within the system are NOT as fortunate. A large majority of our youth are without family during the holidays and many are in need of necessities such as clothes, shoes, or even a little extra to make them smile during the most hardest challenges of their young lives.

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<div>✨Our first year, we were able to fulfill gift wish lists for 34 children/teens. Our 2nd Year, BeU Nonprofit and the community came together to bless 65 Youth who spent their holidays in group homes and foster care facilities. Our 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Drive, we impacted 79 children/teens in group homes and foster care! Our 4th and 5th year, numbers decreased to approximately 60 youth (decrease is great!)

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<div>All monetary donations received go towards providing catered hot meals to all youth and staff at their annual banquet, along with receiving a sweet treat from our very own Sweet Palette (Downtown Fayetteville), and ensuring each child leaves with a gift they desired from their wish lists.

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<div>This year, we are excited to announce our 6th Annual Holiday Gift Drive reaching our local group homes and foster care facilities! We are looking to impact even MORE of our youth and make more differences in their lives.

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<div>With your help, we can fulfill each child’s holiday wish list and, once again, give them HOPE despite their circumstances. Your donation definitely goes a long way!

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<div>If you prefer to purchase GIFT LIST items to sponsor a youth, please feel free to email us for a copy of our holiday list. We will not start collecting physical gifts until December 1st, 2025. Monetary donations are requested sooner to go towards banquet preparation. 

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<div>Thank you in advance!

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<div>Please Please Share!

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<div>For Any Questions,

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<div>Marissa Ortiz

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<div><a href="https://www.mospeaks.org/beunonprofit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learn More</a> 

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Ahna Smith

Anonymous

Georgetta Hunt

Victoria Forbrich

Kevin J Hannon Jr

Julie Zaha

Andrew Stewart

Tyler Cox

Bonney Wheelden

Josh and Destiny Knight

BEU Nonprofit 6TH ANNUAL "Dreams Come True" Holiday Drive

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