CASE 37
St. Louis has been home for the S family since they moved here after Hurricane Katrina. Their house was at one time condemned. It still needs major repairs, but the family has managed to get it back into a livable condition. With five children at home and only Mrs. S working, the family is struggling to pay utility bills and put food on the table. Any help would be appreciated. Clothing or games for the children, who range in age from 11 to 17, would add some cheer to the holiday.
CASE 38
Before he could meet his newborn son, the father of Ms. E's three children was killed in a car accident. His other other boys are just 2 and 1. Ms. E and her children have been staying with a family member, and the four of them share one room. They need a place of their own to call home as well as furniture and household items. The family could use clothing and baby supplies to help make a fresh start in the new year.
CASE 39
The hardships experienced by many young single mothers are compounded for KA, who immigrated to the United States from Somalia. KA's difficulty speaking English has kept her from securing full-time employment. Food stamps and Social Security help her take care of her two preschool-age children, but it is still a struggle to cover even the bare necessities. All KA asks for this Christmas is help with the basics many of us take for granted: food, rent and utilities. But some toys and games for her little boy and girl would make Christmas sweeter.
Profiles by Colleen M. Schrappen of the Post-Dispatch.
