CASE 60

Despite a full-time job, Kris recently had to file for bankruptcy after her ex-husband's businesses closed and she found herself unable to keep up with rent and utility payments. Kris also needs help affording food and medicine for her two daughters, ages 14 and 11. The older daughter suffers from depression and attention-deficit disorder, and the younger child has severe allergies; their prescriptions cost more than $100 a month. Kris "only wants the best for her daughters," according to the social worker who nominated her for 100 Neediest Cases. The family's holiday season would be a little brighter with donations of supermarket gift certificates and help with utility and rent bills.

CASE 61

In 2004, B, who was 14 at the time, suffered liver failure. She underwent transplant surgery, but a complication caused a brain injury and she fell into a coma. Upon awakening, B could not walk, talk or even swallow. Since then, she has made great strides, regaining much of her lost function and even finishing high school this year. B also hopes to attend college. For now, she seeks help meeting daily living expenses and finding warm clothes for the winter. Additional assistance would allow her to buy supplies so she can continue her education.

Profiles by Evan S. Benn and David Sheets of the Post-Dispatch.