A Special Start to the Season with Foster Love’s Shopping Spree Event at Macy’s
The first of many Foster Love Shopping Sprees of the season kicked off last weekend at a Macy’s department store in Arizona! This Foster Love Macy’s Shopping Spree brought excitement, joy, and plenty of shopping for nine students from the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Arizona.
The students—all residents of EVIT HopeTech, a unique housing program for former foster youth—got the chance to pick out clothing and essentials that will help them as they start a new chapter in their lives.
The day was even more special for two previous American Industries scholarship recipients. Thanks to this Shopping Spree, these students could focus their scholarship funds on purchasing materials and equipment needed for their trade certifications and vocational degrees, knowing their clothing needs were already taken care of.
A Day of VIP Treatment and Care
This trip was elevated by the support and attentive care of the Macy’s store staff, who offered the students a VIP experience throughout the day. They went above and beyond to make sure each student felt special.
In addition to a volunteer personal shopper who helped each student pick outfits, they also had access to Macy’s own personal stylists, who helped them coordinate the perfect look. There were even in-store beauty services that allowed each student to test and choose their accessories, makeup, perfume, and cologne. These little extra touches helped the students feel pampered and helped them find even more ways to feel confident.
We’d like to thank one Macy’s employee, Martha, who went above and beyond to help the students. She became like a “mom” to them, guiding them through the store, helping them find the right sizes, and even offering discounts at checkout. The students were so grateful for her kindness, and many said how much they appreciated her warmth and the way she made them feel like they truly mattered.
Finding Confidence Through Style
The day was a reminder of how much community support can impact the lives of foster youth. By providing a self-esteem-boosting shopping spree, many students had the opportunity to experience the simple joys of shopping for themselves, which is a rare experience for many of them.
Many were excited to shop for holiday styles that would keep them warm during the chilly Arizona winters, while others eagerly picked out UGG boots or brand-new shoes—items that once felt out of reach but were now within their grasp.
Paying It Forward
One student stepped into a leadership role by helping her peers navigate the store. She spent the entire day with her volunteer shopper and continuously expressed how thankful she was for this experience. It was clear how much the opportunity meant to her.
She shared that one day she hopes to give back to Foster Love, helping other foster youth experience the same joy, confidence, and sense of belonging that she felt on this special day. This was a special moment for her, and it showed just how much she has grown during her time at EVIT HopeTech.
To help students find their confidence, volunteer at, or sponsor a Shopping Spree visit https://fosterlove.com/shopping-sprees/
Building Confidence Through Essential Support
Shopping Sprees like these are about more than material items—they help foster independence and build self-confidence. Wearing clothes you love can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself. For foster youth, having new outfits that fit well and match their personal style can boost their confidence and sense of self-worth. This increased confidence often carries over into other areas, like school or work, helping them focus better, feel more motivated, and achieve greater success.
A Day to Remember at the Foster Love Macy’s Shopping Spree
The Foster Love Macy’s Shopping Spree was a resounding success, highlighting the power of community and care. Events like these remind us how important it is to support foster youth, not just through material provisions but also through encouragement and celebration. These students walked away with more than just clothing—they walked away with a sense of pride, excitement, and a brighter outlook on the future.
Thank you to Macy’s and all the volunteers for making this event unforgettable. Together, we’re helping foster youth feel supported and ready for the next step in their lives, one shopping spree at a time!
