Over $75k Supports Foster Youth Shopping Sprees with Foster Love in 2024
The magic of the holiday season isn’t just about twinkling lights and festive songs—it’s about creating moments that matter. For foster youth, Foster Love’s holiday Shopping Sprees (and those throughout the year) are some of the most memorable events of the year. These events, held throughout the year, give kids the chance to pick out brand-new clothes that match their unique style—something every child deserves.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners, over $75,000 was raised in 2024 to make these sprees happen. That funding helped provide stylish outfits and essentials to foster youth across the country, ensuring they feel valued and celebrated.
This December, we saw volunteers, celebrity supporters, and community partners come together to make these holiday Shopping Sprees truly special. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing stories that came out of these events and what’s ahead for 2025!
Changing Lives, One Spree at a Time
For many foster youth—especially teens or those aging out of the system—opportunities to pick out new, well-fitting clothes are rare. Often overlooked, these young people deserve the same pride and confidence that comes with wearing name-brand, high-quality clothing. Foster Love’s Shopping Sprees provide that chance. With the help of these events, they can experience the same pride in their appearance that many of their peers take for granted. A new outfit, picked out personally, helps them feel seen and respected, whether they’re heading to school or preparing for a job interview.
One teen shared, “This is the first time I got to pick out what I wanted. It was weird, like, I could just have this jean jacket and no one has used it before.” Another young person said excitedly, “I feel like a whole new person!” These simple yet powerful moments remind us how life-changing something as small as new clothes can be.
Unforgettable Moments from Our Shopping Sprees
Every shopping spree brings its own unique stories—heartwarming moments that remind us why these events matter so deeply. From celebrating life-changing milestones to reconnecting old friends, this year’s sprees were filled with experiences that touched the hearts of everyone involved. Here are just a few of the incredible memories shared by foster youth and volunteers alike, showcasing the joy, confidence, and connection these events inspire.
Looking Sharp for Adoption Day
At one of our Shopping Sprees,, we met Mickael, a young man preparing for one of the biggest days of his life—his adoption day. He shared, “I’m having a big day on the 19th. I’m being adopted, so this is great! These people were very nice, letting me have an extra gift card so I could get the clothes…I wanted..”
Mickael’s adoption was just a week away, and thanks to the spree, he was able to pick out a new suit that made him feel confident and ready for this monumental moment. Helping him find the perfect outfit for his big day was an unforgettable experience for everyone at the event..
Best Friends Reunited After 10 Years
Another heartwarming story unfolded when we learned two childhood best friends who had been separated in foster care reunited at the same Shopping Spree!
After nearly 10 years apart, they were unexpectedly reunited. One of them said, “We’re always trying to find our way back to each other,” while the other added, “The universe brought us here today for this.”
Their emotional reunion was a reminder of the power of community and the profound impact that events like these can have.
Star-Studded Shopping with Celebrity Volunteers
Our Burbank holiday Shopping Spree event was made special by the presence of Kristen Bell and Chrissie Fit, who volunteered to help foster youth pick out clothing.
Kristen helped three teens find outfits they loved, making them feel important and valued. Chrissie Fit made a huge impact on a young girl who was initially shy but soon opened up with Chrissie’s patience and kindness.
Their kindness and support made these foster youth feel truly seen and celebrated—a perfect example of the power of community.
How Shopping Sprees Make a Difference
For many foster kids, shopping for brand-new clothes is a rare experience. Often, they receive secondhand items, which, while practical, don’t always provide the same sense of pride and individuality that new clothes bring.
Shopping Sprees offer foster youth the chance to pick out clothing that reflects their unique style and personality. As one teen shared, “I feel like a whole new person.” A new outfit can be a confidence booster, helping them walk into a classroom, social event, or job interview with their heads held high.
One foster youth told us, “This is my first time getting clothes with the tag still on,” capturing just how special the experience is for many kids. It’s a chance to feel seen, supported, and valued by their community.
Every smile, laugh, and joyful “We can really choose whatever we want?” reminds us how much these moments matter. Whether it’s a new jacket, a pair of shoes, or a stylish outfit, the confidence these kids gain lasts far beyond the spree itself.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we wrap up 2024, we’re already making plans to expand our Shopping Sprees next year!
- Rio Hondo College Partnership: Early in 2025, we’ll welcome students from Rio Hondo College to shop for essentials at our Rise Store, with plans to host a full spree just for them.
- Expanding College Partnerships: We’re working to invite more local colleges to participate in these events, ensuring even more youth benefit.
- Foster Care Awareness Month: In May, we’ll team up with Macy’s to provide shopping sprees for college-aged foster youth, building on their incredible support this year.
Next holiday season, we plan to host even more sprees, reaching more foster youth across the country. Stay tuned for announcements about exciting new retail partners joining us in 2025!
Join the Movement
The success of Foster Love’s Shopping Sprees depends on the generosity of our supporters. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Volunteer: Sign up as a personal shopper and help foster kids pick out outfits they’ll love.
- Donate: Every dollar helps provide clothing and essentials for foster youth nationwide.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission on social media to inspire others to get involved.
Together, we can create more magical moments for foster youth, showing them they are valued and loved—one shopping spree at a time.
Learn more about holiday Shopping Sprees at FosterLove.com/Get-Involved
Thank You for Making 2024 So Amazing!
Holiday Shopping Sprees remind us all of the power of kindness and connection. With every outfit chosen and every smile shared, we’re helping foster youth feel confident, valued, and ready to take on the world.
Thank you to our incredible volunteers, celebrity supporters, and partners for making this season so impactful. Let’s carry this spirit into 2025 and beyond, ensuring every foster child knows they are loved and supported—one shopping spree at a time.