At the beginning of the school year, I met Karen. She was the sweetest girl in our class—so caring, gentle, and full of kindness. As we became closer, she opened up to me about her story. Karen grew up in an orphanage in Colombia and came to the United States hoping for a better life through adoption.

Unfortunately, the woman who adopted her treated her terribly. Eventually, her adoptive mother kicked her out. When Karen called me, I picked her up immediately, and she has been living with me and my family ever since.

We’ve been able to provide her with the basics she needs, and we’re doing everything we can to make her feel safe and supported. But with the holidays coming up, we want to give her a Christmas she will truly remember—one filled with love, comfort, and joy.

If anyone is willing to donate to help make her first real Christmas special, my family and I would be incredibly grateful. Anything helps. Thank you so much.