CASE 91

Rich, a divorced father of four born without arms, has nonetheless persevered. It has not been easy. Since losing their rental home after the landlord sold the property four years ago, Rich and the four children have moved from place to place, never settling in. Their luck changed somewhat this year when Rich found a home he could afford to buy. In August, the family moved in and now resides in a place of their own — albeit one lacking heating and air conditioning. In addition to clothes for the four children — 6- and 9-year-old boys and 12- and 14-year-old girls — the family could use various home repairs along with a washer and dryer.

CASE 92

T is raising her sister's three teenagers while her sister serves a life sentence in prison. It is especially difficult for T, 54, because she is battling cancer. She struggles to cover even basic expenses and has a meager income from food stamps. The teenagers, ages 14, 15, and 16, were living with their 82-year-old grandmother. When she could no longer care for them, the children appeared one day at their aunt's doorstep. She says they are good kids who make good grades in school and she loves them. T would appreciate assistance for furniture, appliances and eyeglasses and gifts to try to make the holidays bright for her niece and two nephews.

CASE 93

Ms. N paid cash for a security deposit on a new place for her and her four children to live and never heard from the landlord again. The unexpected expense left the 26-year-old homeless for several weeks, jumping from house to house until she could save enough money for another place. She is finding it difficult to buy clothing and beds for her children without the money she lost to the landlord. Her sons are 3, 6 and 9. Her daughter is 12. They are seeking household cleaning products, children's clothing and beds.

Profiles by Steve Giegerich, Margaret Gillerman and Christine Byer, of the Post-Dispatch.