CASE 24

M, 10, has Down syndrome and autism. His brother, B, 6, has a speech delay. Two years ago, M's mother left his father when he became abusive. She tried moving her and her sons' belongings out of the house without the man noticing, but he did. He locked them out, and they were left with little more than the clothes on their backs. M's mother does not have much of a support network. She has lost her job, her car has broken down several times, and M has grown out of all his clothes. But his mother does not regret the sacrifices she has made, because her boys are safe. They'd be grateful for gas cards, clothing and gift certificates to buy groceries, household items and toys.

CASE 25

At D's house, the gas has been shut off, and the electricity may be soon to follow. D got behind on her bills after losing her job a few months ago; she has been able to find only part-time work since. As a mother, D's first concern is keeping her four young children safe and warm. The children, who are 7, 5, 3 and 1, need winter clothing, especially coats and shoes. Toys would make Christmas a little more special for them; household items such as dishes and linens would help D make a home.

Profiles by Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian and Colleen M. Schrappen of the Post-Dispatch.