No. 20: Young mom of three looks for new career, needs toys and diapers
The case manager referring this young mother to Share Your Christmas said she is “very composed, organized, and knows what she needs to do to be able to take care of her children, not only in the short term, but in the long term.” Mother was working full time until complications during pregnancy necessitated bed rest. She had to quit her job and depend on the small amount of child support she receives for her four- and five-year-old children. In October, she had a baby girl who spent a few days in the neonatal intensive care unit.
As soon as she was able, Mother sought employment guidance through the Missouri Career Center. She is now enrolled full time at Ozarks Technical Community College and has applied for the QUEST grants for help with her expenses. Studying and caring for two preschoolers and a newborn is an exhausting schedule but Mother is determined to get her degree.
Like many little girls, the four-year-old would be pleased with any gifts featuring princesses or unicorns. Mother suggested a princess tent with star lights so she’ll have a special place to play. Five-year-old brother would like a remote-controlled car and a Nerf target set. The family also needs winter clothes and diapers for the baby. However, Mother said if asking for clothes was too much, “We are thankful for anything we receive.”
No. 21: Car accident disrupts Christmas for single mom
This single mother is a longtime employee of a local manufacturing company and is usually able to provide the necessities for her four children. However, the family has recently had a series of extra expenses — including extensive repairs when Mother’s car was hit from the side. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident, but as Mother commented, “it really put a damper on our plans for the holidays.”
Seeking help from Share Your Christmas wasn’t easy for Mother. “I’m both mom and dad and the kids depend on me,” Mother said. “I just want to make sure the kids smile and have gifts to open. It means the world to me.”
All the children — ages six to 18 — like to read and play computer games. The boys collect Pokemon cards and enjoy sports. The girls like to draw and create craft projects. All the children would enjoy new shirts and jeans to wear to school. Mother noted that the price of hygiene products has increased this year. Her very practical Christmas requests are for shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and bar soap.
No. 22: Age 97 and still sharp
Carmel is 97 years old. While she tires easily, her mind hasn’t slowed down. She can tell many stories about growing up on a farm, climbing trees in the orchard to pick apples, and attending church socials. Solving the puzzles in word search books and attending all the care center activities continue to keep her mind sharp.
Carmel would like a matching outfit for Christmas, consisting of pants, shirt, and cardigan sweater. Cookies, Pepsi, and candy without nuts are the requested treats.
No. 23: Christmas Eve service to care center hymns
Bonnie grew up in a small town and her church has always been an important part of her life. She has happy memories of the Christmas Eve services at the church she attended with her parents. Later she worked at this church as a nursery attendant. Bonnie likes music and is especially fond of the times a visitor leads the care center residents in singing familiar hymns.
Clothing needs for Bonnie include pajamas, night gown, and socks. She requested snack cakes, Sprite, and fun size candy bars as her special treats.
More: How Share Your Christmas aims to provide a happy holiday for Ozarks families
About Share Your Christmas, how to donate
For information about how to help the Share Your Christmas families or care center residents call 417-866-8008 or email share@ccozarks.org.
Gifts should be delivered to Dock #1 or Dock #2 on the west side of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks building, 3055 E. Division St. If the dock doors are closed, please ring the doorbell at the top of the stairs. Hours for delivery are 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. until noon on Friday.
Monetary donations are welcome as they allow Share Your Christmas to purchase gifts that may be needed to complete a child’s toy list or fill a box for a care center resident.
If you would like to send a monetary gift to assist a particular family or care center resident, please note that in the memo line of your check. You may also write “As Needed” in the memo line and your gift will be used for the Share Your Christmas program. Please send monetary donations to: Share Your Christmas, P.O. Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808.
Gifts are due by Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. Monetary donations are welcome at any time.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Share Your Christmas: Single moms focus on kids amid challenges