13-year-old at Tennessee Children's Home asks for letters of hope this Christmas

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Along with asking for what most may think are typical teenager Christmas wishes, one young boy at the Tennessee Children's Home is asking for a little more.

The wish list of Matthew, 13, is gaining the attention of people online. This holiday can often be a time to reflect, to dig deep down and ask yourself what your wishes are.

For most teenagers, that might mean something tangible. But what this boy wants something you can't buy in a store.

It's the one thing that reminds you that there is light in the world, that one thing that keeps you going when all seems lost: hope.

Along with wishes for shoes and a Play Station 4 game, Matthew is asking for a letter that will fill him with hope. Something we could all use a little more of around Christmas.

The Tennessee Children's Home is a residential program for kids who have been put there by the state or personal placements. Some heartbreaking statistics from the TCH include:

• A child is abused or neglected in Tennessee every 57 minutes - According to Child Defense Fund report, 2011
• Approximately 8,000 Tennessee children are in state custody - According to Tennessee State Government, Department of Children’s Services, 2013
• More than 16,500 Tennessee children are homeless - According to Homeless Child America

The program boasts to provide physical, social, emotional, spiritual and educational support to children placed in its care. It's unclear what Matthew's circumstances are.

"Our residential care program helps the children entrusted to us develop life skills, self-discipline and a greater understanding of their worth as children of God." - Tennessee Children's Home

If you would like to send Matthew a letter or card of hope, please mail to Matthew C. C/o TCH P.O. Box 10 Spring Hill, TN 37174 for Additional information please contact Campus Director Mike Yuhas at 931-486-2274.