Almeda survivors could use a little space, quiet
Dec. 12—Editor's note: Light One Candle is an annual series sponsored by the Mail Tribune that focuses on an individual, group or organization who could use a helping hand during the holiday season. Once that need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need.
After two challenging years, marked by the pandemic and losing their home to fire, one local family hopes for a holiday season filled with some joy and, if possible, a little peace and quiet.
Unable to find affordable housing after losing their home in the Almeda Fire Sept. 8, 2020, a family with three school-age children were grateful for an offer from extended family to share a small — albeit already full — single-family home.
Being close to family comes with plenty of ups and downs, however. Sleeping double and triple in each of the few available bedrooms has been an adjustment for the family's three kids; a 13-year-old girl, 14-year-old boy and a little sister, age 10.
Aside from struggling to find space to do homework or relax, a shoestring budget has compounded the issue by preventing any chances to create a little corner of the world that feels like their own. Another side effect of limited funds — and family members all relying on one shared vehicle — recreational activities or even winter clothes are an unaffordable luxury this winter.
The large, extended family's primary focus must be work and school for the home's many occupants.
Adelaide Gadde, development manager for Rogue Valley Mentoring, which provides services to the family, said all three kids receive mentoring through her agency. While everyone in the family could use items to enhance comfort and concentration this holiday season, the teens, she noted, feel especially cooped up and like they don't have their own space.
Gadde's agency provides a combination of one-on-one mentoring and in-school mentoring circles for the three siblings, and all have attended RVM Summer Camp, a free-of-charge day camp, allowing the kids to engage with peers, participate in enrichment activities and have fun, allowing parents to work without worrying about child care.
After enduring the chaos of the past two years, Gadde said some items that would bring some peace and ease stress for the siblings include noise-canceling headphones, mittens, scarves, warm socks (women's size 6, men's size 6 and girls' size 4) and jackets (girls' size large for the eldest, boys' size medium and girls' size medium).
Fun gift ideas would be books (especially fantasy) in Spanish or English, school supplies, hair accessories and small appliances to help the teens.
Gift certificates to Target, Fred Meyer or Walmart would help the family purchase items to personalize their small areas of the shared bedrooms and shop for snow boots that fit. Fun family outing ideas include activities like bowling, ice skating, go-karting, going to ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum and out for ice cream and movies.
To support their holiday, call Adelaide Gadde, 541-708-6688, or send an email to adelaide@rvmentoring.org
Items can also be dropped off at the Rogue Valley Mentoring office, 2931 S. Pacific Highway in Medford, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 16 (call for an appointment after that date).
