Seven young ladies and eight young men who otherwise would not get to experience this August ritual did just that this year, with the support of HFF donations and staff.  Given a shopping list and budget at the beginning of the day, these young people chose outfits and accessories from local retail stores that followed dress codes, but also allowed for their own personal style, an option not always available through donations and thrift store shopping. Most of the ladies even budgeted for a small amount of makeup, something most teenagers pick up on weekly basis, but for these ladies, small pink lip glosses were rare priveleges. 

The maturity these young residents showed in responsibly handling their budgets, lists, and time limits was exemplary.  The excitement about not only the items purchased, but also the opportunity itself, was contagious, complete with a laughter-filled fast food lunch and ride home. 

On the first day of school, these teenagers will undoubtedly walk through the classroom doors with a larger sense of pride in themselves, and the fun memory of feeling the support of the HFF community.