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“I wish to go on a shopping spree to help homeless children”
Jordan , age 12
Greater Bay Area Chapter
   
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This wish story makes me feel:
  

Twelve-year-old Jordan didn't need a long time to decide on his wish, but his request for a shopping spree from the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation® had a catch. Jordan wanted all the toys, clothes, and other items he purchased to go to homeless children in his community in California.

Not surprisingly, word of Jordan's wish spread, and two local organizations compiled a "wish list" to help him identify the items most important to the homeless children. In the weeks leading up to Jordan's shopping spree, retailers and shoppers learned about his altruistic plan and chipped in by making purchases to give him a head start.

With excitement in the air, the time for Jordan's shopping spree arrived. At his first store – Wal-Mart – every manager, associate, and clerk was standing outside to greet him with smiles and tears of joy. Because the big-hearted boy had been featured in a newspaper story, many shoppers recognized Jordan during the day. They offered him words of encouragement and more. Some even gave him money to add to his shopping spree allowance, while others bought items right off the gift registry.

Throughout the day, Jordan found that many of the stores on his list already had carts and bins filled with merchandise bought by shoppers and employees to support his wish. Additionally, every store gave him a discount, a check to supplement his spree, and a special gift just for him!

For part of his experience, Jordan asked to meet the kids who would be benefiting from his kindness. To accomplish this, the Greater Bay Area chapter threw a celebration at a ranch in Napa for Jordan's friends and families, and the families of the homeless children.

The young shopper arrived at the party aboard a fire truck with its sirens blaring. The kids in attendance greeted him with hand-made banners, cheers, applause, and thank-you cards. The fun continued with everyone feasting on Domino's pizza, donated cookies, and Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. The 150 revelers were also entertained with sing-along music, animals, a clown, and face painting.

In addition to the gratitude of the homeless children, Jordan also earned the admiration of the mayor of Napa. During the party, the mayor announced how proud he was of Jordan and presented him with a key to the city! In another highlight, Jordan cried with happiness as he tore open the gift wrapping on his own video camera.

At the end of the day, the families began climbing aboard the trolleys to take them back to their shelters. Jordan gave each kid a hug and a specially-selected present, wrapped that morning by his family and Make-A-Wish® volunteers. In a fitting end, each child graciously told him "thank you" before boarding the trolley.

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Inspired Thoughts

  • Wow! I have never seen a kid so special like Jordan. He is so selfless and so kind to the other people in need. I greatly look up to him as my model.
    - Emily 08/30/2006 14:56
  • What a beautiful child. He should serve as an inspiration to all mankind. Because of his story, I have chose to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
    - Shannon 08/30/2006 14:56
  • This is such a wonderful story. It brought tears to my eyes. You're a great kid, Jordan! We need more people like you in the world. You are truly an angel sent from above.
    - Erica 08/30/2006 14:52
  • Jordan's generosity brought tears to my eyes. Bless you, Jordan
    - David 08/30/2006 14:53
  • What an amazing kid Jordan is! How many 12-year-olds are so selfless and think of others instead of themselves? Jordan is truly an angel from God with a purpose. I am just floored by this kid's kindness.
    - Heather 08/30/2006 14:57
  • That is very nice of you to think of other people than yourself. I am sure you are very caring to others. I hope you had fun on your shopping spree. I love shopping.
    - Laura 08/30/2006 14:54
  • I loved the story. It made me cry. I am so happy to hear that a boy of this age thinks of somebody else. You mean a lot to me.
    - Rhonda 08/30/2006 14:55
  • You are an angel sent from God. You are a wonderful person and deserve so much. That was an amazing thing to use your wish for.
    - Lauren 08/30/2006 14:55
  • That story made me cry! I just pray that someday all kids are like that.
    - Allie 08/30/2006 14:54
  • Wow, that kid did a very good job! I wish that people all over the place would show him as a good example. Hey, kid, keep up the good job! I'm proud of you!
    - Monique 08/30/2006 14:52
  • Wow, what a kind hearted boy! I cried reading this and I will continue to pray for your recovery.
    - Sarah 11/02/2006 14:40
  • I cried through the whole story. I'm so thankful God is in the hearts of children; after all they are our future!
    - Ginny 10/19/2006 13:16
  • Wow, as a 19 year old college student that story just brought tears to my eyes. God bless you!
    - Steven 10/18/2006 14:48
  • This story touches my heart. If only everyone could read this story and learn to give than take, the world would be better. We can all learn a lot for Jordon's wish. A greatly admire you Jordon, you are a model child.
    - Kate 10/17/2006 20:09
  • Jordan, you are one incredibly admirable and selfless person. I applaud your wish of giving gifts to homeless kids, helping brighten their lives. I loved reading your story, it sounds like you all had a great time. We can all learn a valuable lesson from your generosity. Bless your heart, Jordan!
    - James 12/05/2006 21:01
  • What a beautiful story...I can honestly say it brought tears to my eyes. Jordan, I'm so impressed by your kindness.You're a great kid and truly an inspiration.
    - Mandi 12/23/2006 0:19
  • This story has completely touched me. I'm so happy to hear of such a wonderful boy, and he will always be in my thoughts.
    - Jessica 11/26/2006 16:21
  • At 27 years old, you have made cry from your outpouring of love and generosity, right here at work at my desk! Good hearts, kindness, and selfless acts of kindness is way more than anyone can ever ask for, especially from a very special young man such as yourself. May God Bless you and anything or anyone that you touch, and I Pray that others follow your lead. Good luck!
    - Temekia 12/29/2006 10:02
  • I hope that you are doing well and on your way to recovery, a boy with such a kind and caring heart deserves good health and happiness! Thank you for such wonderful inspiration!
    - Charlotte 12/28/2006 15:48
  • I just want to express how much of a role model you are being to everyone. To have a life threatning illness and to have one wish; and that wish is to give to others. You are so selfless and kind. You are ah-mazing! Your parents must be very very proud of you.God bless you!
    - Jordan 12/26/2006 18:35
  • MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR THE HEART YOU HAVE...
    - Evelyn Muna-Campos 10/30/2006 1:49
  • What a great kid! I wish the best for him.
    - Andrea 01/21/2007 9:17
  • I think the love in this kid's heart was the most thoughtful thing anyone could do. The love he showed put shining smiles on those kids' faces. Jordan inspired me and I'm sure many others. Jordan is a very special kid who made a big difference for many lives. Jordan, I think you did great. I am more than proud of you. Jordan in you will recieve very true blessings. We are thinking of you and how kind-hearted you are. MAY GOD BLESS AND BE WITH YOU!!!!
    - Ashana 01/09/2007 12:39
  • This is very touching. It is admirable to see this from such a young boy! It gave me chills just reading it. God will bless you more for having such a beautiful heart. God bless you always.
    - Adriana 02/05/2007 13:14
  • This story proves true that, "A child shall lead them." May we all learn from this selfless act. Thanks!
    - Anita 08/30/2006 14:53
  • Jordan was so selfless! I truly respect and thank him for doing something I've always wanted to do; help the homeless and the poor.
    - Cheryl 06/24/2007 8:00
  • Jordan is amazing. Not many kids would give away toys and clothes they bought during a shopping spree, especially not one who has obviously been through some very hard times. Adults and children alike could learn a lot from this kid!
    - Tracey 06/06/2007 22:10
  • God sure blessed us with you....thank you. I cried when I read this story because you are so amazing! You are a living angel. May god bless you and your family.
    - Belen 05/30/2007 16:37
  • Jordan is the kind of person that these kids look up to. He is so kind and giving. We definitely need more people like him in this world.
    - Ysabel 05/28/2007 18:35
  • Wow, what a selfless, caring kid! This foundation is for kids to make their dreams come true, and it makes me happy that Jordan's dream was to help others! God bless you!
    - Sarah 05/25/2007 20:50
  • HI JORDAN!! Your story impressed me a lot. I feel proud of you. You're a hero and God is very happy with you for what you did. You are an amazing child! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!! With love, Lizzy.
    - Lissette 05/19/2007 6:24
  • What a wonderful child! I really admire someone like you, and would love to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help them help others. I just love to hear what comes out of the money supporters donate.
    - Jord 05/01/2007 19:54
  • Wow, Jordan...you are truly special. I wish you all the best.
    - Mackenzie 04/28/2007 18:34
  • Jordan, if I were where you are right now, I WOULD GIVE YOU A BIG HUG even though I don't even know you! I think it's great that you are helping out kids that have nothing and nowhere to go! Once again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    - Jill 08/09/2007 6:38
  • I think it was wonderful that he did this from the heart. I wish him the best and may God bless him now.
    - Marian 03/27/2007 6:58
  • This was truly a remarkable story. Amazing! Jordan you're an angel sent from God. You made a wish that benefited the children around you, and not yourself, and that alone is wonderful. You have a big heart, and that will take you a long way. You care about other people, and you want to help in every way you can. You are a hero, and don't let anyone tell you any different. When I read your story, it made my day, for I have never seen a child more selfless than you. My eyes are filled with tears of joy, because I know that God will indeed bless you for your good deeds. There will come a day, when you will be rewarded for all your hard work and dedication. Keep up the good work, and good luck in the future! God bless!
    - Beverly 08/01/2007 13:40
  • I am 11 yrs. old. My sister is 17. She is a wish kid too but hasn't chosen her wish yet. Your's is the best one I've ever read! I wish everybody's wish was as nice as yours! It made my mom cry to read about your day. I hope you are better now. You are a nice boy. Bye!
    - Tyler 09/17/2007 19:30
  • Wow! What an amazing and admirable person you are! So selfless and kind of you to give your wish to others. We could all learn a little something from your generous act. You've made everyone proud. Your parents have raised a young man who will continue to inspire as well as role model others for years to come. Thank you, Jordan!
    - Sherry 09/15/2007 16:03
  • Jordan, I am so deeply touched by your story! You are such an amazing and precious person you have touched the lives of so many. I am very inspired. You are truly an inspiration for all of us. I will be praying for you and your family. With all my prayers, admiration and love, Alyse
    - Alyse 09/27/2007 12:43
  • I honestly believe that we need more generous people in this world, willing to help out others before ourselves, just like Jordan. His story is simply amazing and inspiring.
    - Abby 09/22/2007 14:31
  • I'm so proud of you, Jordan..way to go!!!
    - Anoshia 09/21/2007 18:12
  • You bring me to tears, Jordan! How nice that you spent your personal wish to help others. You're going to become quite the gentlemen!
    - Anna 02/06/2008 15:58
  • Jordan, your story has tears streaming down my face. You are such a selfless, warm-hearted child, with so much love to give! Your story is an inspiration to everyone. I will keep you and your family in my prayers nightly! Bless your heart!
    - Nikki 01/23/2008 22:01
  • You are an amazing person, Jordan. May the blessings you gave be returned to you in abundance.
    - Tabitha 03/11/2008 10:50
  • Jordan you are a very special child. Your story brought tears to my eyes.
    - Larissa 01/02/2008 14:27
  • He has stolen my heart! What a wonderful selfless child! By God bless him and keep him.
    - Jennifer 12/09/2007 15:30
  • I am so glad that there are still gold hearted kids out there. Jordan being one of them. His wish came true but so did many other kids' wishes. I am so proud of what he did!! You are so amazing!!
    - Morgan 11/24/2007 14:55
  • That was so sweet of you to help other people, you are going to get blessed for that.
    - Lysaundria 11/10/2007 11:31
  • This was a very inspiring story!!! Way to go Jordan, you are an example for all of us to follow!!!
    - Sarah 10/11/2007 6:50
  • Jordan, What a beautiful young man you are, and what a beautiful memory you've given me. You go (and keep going) boy!
    - Mary 11/03/2007 7:51
  • Oh Jordan, I am so proud of you. It was your wish, but you opened your heart to those in need. No one could be more deserving then you for the key to the city. Tears fell down my face as i read this. GOD BLESS JORDAN AND MAKE-A-WISH!!
    - Ariel 04/29/2008 12:16
  • What a kind and caring little boy! i was deeply touched by this boy who is battling a life threatening illness and still thinks about the well being of others! God bless you, Jordan, and you are in my prayers. If only more people had your heart. You are an angel.
    - Hannah 03/18/2007 14:25
  • I need to tell you that you are an amazing young man. Your parents have done an amazing job raising you to be such a fine, caring and selfless person. Cheers to you and I wish you luck in everything you pursue. I wish there were more young people like you out there in our world. God bless you.
    - Sylvia 09/21/2007 9:28
  • You truly are an angel. Flowers leave some of their fragrance on the hands that bestows them, and I couldn't agree more. Life is painful, as things we all must battle such as cancer or misfortune striking down. I had skin cancer as a little girl, and I can only imagine your own battle. Out of all the things you could've wished for, you gave back to those in need. You deserved that key to the city and so much more. Jordan, we're all behind you to the max. I am only fifteen, but I have made up my mind to join Make-A-Wish as a volunteer thanks to you. I know so many people are saying this (and who can blame them?) But, if you are reading this, You're in the Make-A-Wish hall of fame-the national-THE WORLD hall of fame. God bless you, your family, and those who love you....and, trust me, kiddo, that's A LOT!
    - Lauren 07/09/2008 8:34
  • You're such a kind young man, Jordan. You just became one of my idols. I also want to help many people that are in need.
    - Jennifer 08/14/2008 15:30
  • Wow, you are a great person. God bless you Jordan
    - Mia 08/14/2008 22:40
  • This is such an amazing story! Jordan you are truly an angel! That is so selfless and genuine that you would use your wish to help other kids, it is truly amazing!!!! Thank you for being you and following your heart!
    - Kelli 08/30/2008 15:57
  • hope u make your dream come true that is nice of u helpin need people...
    - janet 05/20/2009 14:20
  • what a beutiful soul... we need more people lke you in this world
    - Doris 04/16/2009 11:27
  • that is so considerate of him!! God Bless him!! :)
    - Emily 04/06/2010 10:24
  • Wow, Jordan, you were so thoughtful and selfless with your wish! Heaven holds a special place for those who give back!
    - Elyse 06/17/2010 15:34
  • THIS STORY BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES, YOU REMIND ME OF MY SON ALWAYS THINKING OF OTHERS .. AND THATS A BLESSING
    - JENNIFER 08/02/2010 12:34
  • WOW! I'm 11 if i ever got the chance to do what u did i would! Well done you have done all children proud!
    - Cameron 03/25/2011 4:14

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Gifts made through this Web site are a gift to the entire mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. The needs shown are symbolic of the common wish elements associated with each wish and are only representative of our many wish-granting activities. Your gift will not actually be used to purchase the item shown or to grant the wish described. Each symbolic gift is unrestricted and will be pooled with other gifts to meet all of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's needs. The suggested donation amounts are based on average estimated values.