Share Your Christmas: Parents keep focus on kids despite health, developmental challenges
No. 13: Family feels blessed by unexpected additions
The mother of this military family of six puts it this way: “Our journey is fun but has also been a wild ride.” Once told she could never bear children, Mom assumed Dad’s son from a previous relationship would always be their only child. “To our surprise, we ended up with our first boy nine months later. Following him we were surprised to find out we would be having our second boy, and he arrived just 11 months and two weeks after his brother. However, God wasn’t finished with our story, because 12 months after having our youngest boy, we gave birth to our youngest daughter.”
Mom says they are “so blessed to have our family together,” yet with their oldest son awaiting a final autism diagnosis and their youngest son being diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder, she stays busy caring for the children, now ages 1 to 8. “Since we have so many therapy visits and appointments, I am unable to work. Therefore, we have to manage to survive simply off of Dad’s income alone, which in today’s time is very hard.”
Yet she is also “grateful that there are lovely people out there who are so gracious in helping others, especially during the most difficult of times. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!”
Gifts for the children range from Barbie dolls and sensory toys to Little People play sets. One little boy has train tracks but no train cars to use on the tracks, while another child would be thrilled with anything Minnie Mouse. As a family gift, Mom would love for them all to be able to visit Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium.
Donors can receive a detailed list of toy and clothing needs by contacting the Share Your Christmas office at 417-866-8006 or e-mailing share@ccozarks.org.
No. 14: Single father focused on 1-year-old daughter
“He’s overcome many challenges.” “Inspiring how hard he is trying.” “Wants to learn to be a good dad.” These are the words a case manager uses to describe a single father with visual impairments and other health issues who is raising his 1-year-old daughter without any family assistance.
The girl’s second birthday will be in early January, and Dad spoke about his concern that he can’t afford Christmas gifts, much less a birthday present, for his daughter. The family has qualified for a larger, rent-subsidized apartment, so there are also moving bills to pay.
Dad would appreciate learning toys and winter clothes for his daughter. He also has some clothing needs, and lists sheets and a microwave as optional gifts.
No. 15: Care center resident loves helping others
Growing up in Los Angeles, Frances says one of her favorite childhood memories was “going to the beach and finding clams with my toes.” Later, she worked as receptionist and preschool teacher.
Helping others seems to come naturally to Frances, who is most content when she is assisting other care center residents with activities. “Kind, loving, and always has a smile” is how center staff describe this older lady.
Frances needs a winter coat, tennis shoes, and underwear. Code Red Mountain Dew, Coke and Ruffles potato chips would be special treats.
No. 16: Army veteran seeking to keep up with technology
Veterans Day earlier this month was a meaningful celebration for this care center resident who served 12 years in the U.S. Army. Following his military career, he worked a variety of jobs, from touring with a carnival to moving boxes in a warehouse.
Now, he wants to stay up to date with technology and says he has learned so much by watching his nieces and nephews.
He’s especially fond of crunchy chocolate chip cookies and enjoys that treat with either Coke or orange juice. Clothing and a warm, soft blanket are gifts he would like to find in his Christmas box.
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 fa
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Share Your Christmas: Kids the focus despite health, financial hurdles
