CASE 78
Children's clothing would go a long way toward brightening Christmas for a family of five headed by a great-grandmother suffering from diabetes. The great-grandmother, Betty, 77, would especially like to provide gift certificates to the three little girls — ages 1, 3 and 6 — living under her roof. The family, which includes the girls' 41-year-old mother, also asks for a fuel card to help defray the cost of gasoline for post-Christmas shopping.
CASE 79
Ms. Y fell behind on her bills after she was laid off. She did not find work for nearly five months. In addition, the family went from two incomes to one when her husband was incarcerated. With four children in the household ranging in age from 2 to 13, she is working on as as-needed basis, which helps cover the bills but does not provide for all of her children's needs. She suffers from depression and glaucoma, and has no health insurance. She is going to school in an effort to better provide for her family. They need bedding, clothes, boots, cleaning supplies, and pots and pans. They are going through a rough time right now and could use a helping hand.
Profiles by Steve Giegerich and Jean Buchanan of the Post-Dispatch.
