CASE 26
A married couple, both 30, are disabled and raising a 4-year-old daughter, Chloe. The husband works part time, but his income and his wife's disability payment fall short of covering their expenses. The family relies on food pantries and occasional help paying for utilities. The father's work hours were recently cut and his efforts to find additional work have not been successful. The couple make every effort to make sure Chloe is provided for, including spending $380 recently to replace a window in their two-bedroom apartment and fixing a broken front door. The parents would appreciate a bike for Chloe for Christmas and gift certificates for groceries.
CASE 27
L is a 28-year-old mother of two little girls who lost her job. Now almost her entire unemployment check goes to pay her rent. Her car broke down recently; she can't afford the repair work. L usually helps her extended family around the holidays, but now she's the one who needs assistance. She could use a gift card to buy clothes and toys for her daughters, 5 and 1. She would also appreciate help coming up with a down payment on a new vehicle.
CASE 28
S, 53, was laid off in June and can't find a job. After a life of providing for himself, he's not accustomed to needing help. Bills are mounting, and S worries he won't be able to stay warm this winter. He's looking for work, but has to settle for doing odd jobs. He could use food, personal care and cleaning items, help with utility bills, towels and wash cloths and warm clothing.
Profiles by Lisa Brown and Jeremy Kohler of the Post-Dispatch.
