Fourth-Grader’s Heartbreaking Christmas Wish: New Shoes And A ‘Happier Life’

After a politician chose a child’s gift list, he was stunned as the fourth-grade student’s wish was for a “happier life”.

Shared in an emotional Facebook post, New Orleans City Councilman-elect Jay Banks said that while he was working with the annual Angel Tree program at a local YMCA, he found the child’s wish.

As part of the annual program, counselors and teachers at James Singleton Charter School note down the children’s Christmas list, then the community donate what they can in order to make the wishes come true.

Banks said that he found a random wish list from a stack with just two requests – new shoes and a happier life.

“Put this in context, a 4th grade child has the opportunity to ask for what he wants for Christmas and this is what he asks for,” Banks wrote. “A new bike, an xbox, other toys or a multitude of other things would not have surprised nor alarmed me but for a 4th grader to ask for a happier life is heart wrenching.”

Banks said that while he can’t specifically remember much about the fourth grade, he does know he ” wasn’t wishing for a happier life.” He wrote that the request left him “perplexed” and wondering how he could help both that child and others who might be in similar situations.

The post drew a lot of attention as many people offering support in different forms, from Christmas gifts to mentoring offers.

The Dryades YMCA where Banks found the wish list collects donations for a range of programs designed to help the surrounding community year round. Click here to find out how you can help.