100 Neediest Cases 17-18: Woman wants GED after lifetime of abuse

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100 Neediest Cases 17-18: Woman wants GED after lifetime of abuse

Posted: Saturday, November 19, 2011 12:15 am | (Loading…) comments.

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100 Neediest Cases

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100 Neediest Cases

For generations, the 100 Neediest Cases campaign has helped thousands of disadvantaged families during the holidays. The tradition dates to 1922, when civic leaders formed the Christmas Bureau.

To adopt a case or donate, call 314-421-6060 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, visit www.100neediestcases.org, or mail a check to P.O. Box 955925, St. Louis, Mo. 63195.

CASE 17

F has an apartment now but wants to go back to school to get her GED. She was unable to finish high school after being molested when she was 13 by her stepfather. Because of the abuse, she ran away from home. Later, she became homeless when she was forced to flee from her apartment after another abuser threatened her life. F, 50, struggles with depression and PTSD. She lost custody of her 15-year-old daughter, who now lives in Texas. F hopes to see her daughter again. She receives Social Security, which helps pay for her $440 monthly rent and utilities. Household items, including a bed, towels and personal care items would be appreciated. F would also be grateful to have a Bible.

CASE 18

M. was in a serious car accident two years ago that severely damaged her leg. She was unable to keep her job because of her injury. Now the unemployed single mom of four, age 1 to 12, struggles to support her family, which includes a daughter with special needs. The family lives on child support, food stamps and some Social Security for the disabled child. The family is currently behind in the electric bill and M. worries that the family may lose heat over the winter. Everyone in the family needs winter clothing, coats and shoes. M. says she would appreciate a few gifts for her children for Christmas.

Case profiles by Jackie Hutcherson and Nancy Cambria of the Post-Dispatch.

 

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Posted in 100-neediest, Metro on Saturday, November 19, 2011 12:15 am Updated: 10:33 am. | Tags:

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To adopt a case or donate

  • Call 314-421-6060 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays
  • CLICK HERE to donate
  • Mail a check to P.O. Box 955925, St. Louis, Mo. 63195

 

how to give

A TRADITION • For generations, the 100 Neediest Cases campaign has helped thousands of disadvantaged families during the holidays. The tradition dates to 1922, when civic leaders formed the Christmas Bureau.

The Post-Dispatch has partnered with the program for more than five decades, renaming the campaign 100 Neediest Cases in 1954. Annual donations to the campaign have swollen from $400 in 1922 to $1.4 million last year.

HOW IT WORKS • More than 70 social service agencies, working through the United Way, identify thousands of needy families.

This year, 13,000 cases were selected based on factors such as poverty, medical problems and other hardships. Volunteers then select 100 cases to be profiled in the newspaper. The profiles help raise awareness and encourage donations for the thousands of other needy families.

TWO WAYS TO GIVE

ADOPT A CASE • Donors can adopt one of the 100 families profiled both in print and at STLtoday.com/neediest. Thousands of other cases can also be adopted.

The United Way supplies donors with a complete list of a family's needs, along with all instructions needed to give. Donors are asked to meet at least one of the stated needs and provide at least one present for each child. Everything goes directly to the family, through a social worker. Last year, 1,200 cases were adopted.

DONATE • The 100 Neediest Cases general fund is used to help the 13,000 total cases identified for the program. Every family will receive something, and every dollar will go directly to a needy family. Or you may request that your contribution be considered to be applied to a particular 100 Neediest case.

TO ADOPT A CASE OR DONATE • Call 314-421-6060 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays, or visit 100neediestcases.org, or mail a check to P.O. Box 955925, St. Louis, Mo. 63195.

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