One Simple Wish, a 501 (C)(3), non-profit organization empowering individuals to restore hope and happiness to children and young adults impacted by foster care, abuse and neglect, announced the organization recently worked with local youth and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora to pen love letters to the City of Trenton. Each letter debuted yesterday in a display at Trenton’s City Hall in honor of Valentine’s Day.
In advance of the reveal, One Simple Wish partnered with Trenton Housing Authority (THA) to host a Valentine’s Day party on February 10, 2023 for children from THA’s after-school program and those living in the city’s subsidized housing. At the event, local youth aged five to 17 wrote love letters highlighting the admiration they have for Trenton, and all the reasons why they love their hometown.
“It is important for kids to just be kids and feel supported by their peers and community–no matter the circumstances–and these parties are a way to bring that to life,” said Danielle Gletow, founder of One Simple Wish. “As a New Jersey resident, I want to ensure these local youths feel pride in their hometown. Seeing their faces light up when they saw their letters on display in City Hall, alongside Mayor Gusciora, brought a sense of overwhelming pride to the community, and now these individuals have a memory that will last a lifetime.”
Trenton faces a number of hardships, including a high degree of poverty and crime. For individuals growing up in an environment like this, it is so important to continue to spread hope, love, and community pride. The letters, which highlight the community’s admiration, will be on display until the end of February.