Share Your Christmas: Health problems, lack of support keep two moms from working
No. 25: Health issues, lost income challenge family of five
For this mother who has always worked outside the home to help support her family, being unable to do that is very frustrating. A combination of arthritis and a pinched nerve have made it impossible for Mom to maintain her usual work schedule. Even though she has been prescribed medication, the side effects are difficult for her to tolerate. Therapy has also been recommended, but her insurance does not cover it, and the family can’t afford the cost.
Dad works full time, so his salary and food stamps help cover basic household needs. However, the family has found that as the cost of groceries, clothing and other necessities increases, they miss Mom’s salary even more.
Despite Mom’s health problems and their financial difficulties, this family is grateful for many things. The oldest child is doing well in college and has a volunteer position in her chosen field. The younger children, a 15-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy, are honor roll students, and the daughter often helps her mother by feeding the cat and dog and cooking dinner.
Their son likes to hunt, fish and work out — hunter orange and camo colors are his favorites. On his gift list are cowboy boots and a remote-control car. Their 15-year-old daughter’s favorite activities are drawing, painting and reading, and several different book series are on her Christmas wish list, as well as a bookshelf. Their college-age daughter needs rain boots for her volunteer work for a wildlife organization.
Optional gifts for the parents would be work boots for Dad and a steam mop to make housecleaning easier for Mom.
No 26: Single mom of three asks for practical gifts
This young single mother of three young children would be happy to receive necessities for Christmas: “What we really need is practical stuff like winter clothes and laundry detergent,” she said.
With no assistance from extended family or payments yet for court-ordered child support, Mom and her children must rely on food stamps as their only consistent source of income. Occasionally, a friend will watch the children — a 3-year-old boy and girls ages 4 and 1 — so that Mom can work a few hours at a warehouse, but she has no funds for Christmas gifts.
Her 4-year-old daughter will be in kindergarten next year, so Mom has requested learning toys for her. Little brother could also benefit from toys that will help him learn numbers and colors. A riding toy or baby dolls are suggestions for the youngest child.
Mom did not list any gift suggestions for herself. However, any cleaning products, hygiene items or paper products are appreciated by all the Share Your Christmas families.
No. 27: Younger care center resident would appreciate sweater, chocolates
Unfortunately, not all care center residents recommended for Share Your Christmas are able to say much about their childhood or what type of work they did. This younger resident, not yet 50, was able to share that she grew up in a small town and likes to go outdoors. In addition, staff members say she watches television and likes the music programs at the center, commenting on her kindness to other residents and her warm smile.
Clothing needs include a sweater, jeans, tennis shoes, and warm gloves. Dr. Pepper, Reese’s peanut butter cups and any other chocolate candy would be welcome treats.
No. 28: Resident has special request for favorite scent
Judy grew up in a small town in Idaho and still appreciates having had attentive parents. She mentioned her father, especially, saying, “I liked having my dad around. He was always there for me.”
To support her own children, Judy worked as bookkeeper, certified nurse assistant and residential caregiver. Now, knitting, playing bingo or sitting outside and visiting with other residents occupies her time.
Besides some clothing needs and treats for Christmas, Judy has a special request for White Diamond cologne or perfume.
About Share Your Christmas, how to donate
Share Your Christmas is the News-Leader’s and Crosslines’ annual campaign to give readers the opportunity to share their holiday spirit with others. This year, about 30 families and more than 80 care-center residents will have a brighter Christmas, thanks to Share Your Christmas donors.
Families and care-center residents may be adopted by a single donor or by a group working together to help one of the larger families. Donors may adopt an entire family, one family member, donate a single gift or donate any amount of money. Every dollar helps. Readers who wish to donate gifts can call Share Your Christmas at 417-866-8008 or email share@ccozarks.org. Callers should refer to the story number they wish to help, and they will be given specific information such as clothing sizes.
Gifts must be delivered to the east side of the Crosslines building, at 615 N. Glenstone Ave. The hours to deliver gifts are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 10. If you are unable to deliver donations at these times, call 417-866-8008 to make other arrangements.
To make a monetary donation, send a check payable to Crosslines, Share Your Christmas, and the story number, if applicable, in the memo line. If the needs of that family or care-center resident have been met and you are willing to help others in the Crosslines holiday programs, please write “or as needed” in the memo line. Donations can be made at http://crosslinesholiday.org/give/or mailed to Share Your Christmas, 615 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield MO 65802. Monetary donations are welcome any time of year.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Share Your Christmas: Chronic pain, lack of support challenge families
