Share Your Christmas: Inflation, loss of a father weigh on these Ozarks families

No. 5: Family of six grapples with rising prices

Spending time together as a family, especially in the outdoors, is a favorite activity for this family of six. Mom writes that her family is fortunate in so many ways. She is a homemaker, busy caring for two children in elementary school plus a toddler and an infant. The children are healthy, happy and doing well in school, and Dad is doing well at his job.

However, it has recently become difficult for the family to afford basic household needs, much less Christmas gifts. Mom notes that the cost of everything — from gas and rent to groceries, clothing and diapers — has increased. In addition, Dad’s employment is weather-dependent, so his work hours will soon be reduced as winter arrives. To make ends meet, the family may soon need to move to a smaller, less expensive house.

At 8, their older son is an excellent reader, so books and Minecraft Legos would be appropriate gifts for him. His sisters, 6 and 2, both like dolls: Mom suggests Barbies for their older daughter and baby dolls for her little sister. Meanwhile, she says, the baby is teething and needs “something he can chew on!”

While the children are excited about the prospect of opening gifts on Christmas morning, their parents list practical gifts such as diapers, hygiene items, clothing and basic household supplies as their needs.

No. 6: Loss of father weighs on soon-to-be family of four

This mother of two — with a baby on the way — has been overwhelmed by grief and responsibilities since the father of the family, sadly, took his own life. Besides taking care of her school-age children by herself, Mom has also spent the past few months learning to manage household chores like car maintenance and small home repairs, once Dad’s responsibilities.

Food stamps are now the family’s only source of income. Mom had been working as an interior house painter, but she had to quit because paint fumes were detrimental to her health and that of her baby, due to be born in January.

Despite the sad events their family has faced, the children are hopeful that Santa will not forget them. The 8-year-old girl would like a Barbie set and pink nail polish. A Hot Wheels racetrack and “anything dinosaurs” are the Christmas wishes of her 5-year-old brother.

Mom does not request any personal gifts. Instead, she would appreciate diapers, wipes and onesies for the baby.

More:Crosslines, News-Leader kick off 58th Share Your Christmas, offering help for the holidays

No. 7: Care center resident doesn't let disabilities stop fun

One of the younger residents of a Springfield care center, this woman likes to make people laugh and doesn’t let her disabilities keep her from having fun. She’s known for driving her wheelchair like a car — complete with “beep, beep,” and “honk, honk” sounds — and when the weather’s nice, she rolls out onto the patio to enjoy the care center garden.

With winter on the horizon, she looks forward to watching TV, visiting other residents, and participating in musical events at the center.

Her Christmas gift list is modest, consisting of slippers, pants, a shirt, and treats such as individual pudding packs or applesauce cups.

No. 8: Quiet life a change for once-active resident

The quiet daily schedule of playing chess or bocce ball is quite a lifestyle change for Terry, who led an active life until health problems caused him to move to a care center.

Growing up on a farm, he used to help his father with early morning chores, then train with the track team after school. Later, he attended college, served in the U.S. Air Force, worked in an automotive factory, and even managed a doughnut shop.

A donor is needed to complete a Christmas gift box for this veteran, who needs a shirt with pockets, blue jeans and socks and enjoys Pepsi Wild Cherry soda and Lay’s potato chips.

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: Inflation, loss weigh on Ozarks families