2023 Christmas Connection, Day 15: Widowed dad has cancer
The Tallahassee Democrat is partnering with Catholic Charities on the Christmas Connection to spotlight local families who need help this Christmas. Donations will be taken through Dec. 17. Here's how you can help.
CASE # 344: Widowed father with cancer
PERSONAL DETAILS
This father is retired law enforcement but now uses a wheelchair and is undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. The child’s mother was killed in a car accident in April. The father works tirelessly to keep his daughter involved in her passion for gardening. She has autistic spectrum disorder, so she struggles with social connections and gardening is her love. Her father built raised gardens so that he can help her from his wheelchair. They enjoy riding in their golf cart to the local store for snacks because the father is unable to drive due to diabetic macular edema.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blanket (1 full/queen), food, gas, groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies
FAMILY MEMBERS
Father, Age 53
Suggested gifts: Gift card for gas, food, and household items
Daughter, Age 11
Suggested gifts: Arts and crafts, painting supplies, fantasy books, Wimpy Kid Diaries, Anime and novels
CASE # 361: Parents caring for nieces and nephews
PERSONAL DETAILS
These parents are raising a 19-year-old autistic son and have welcomed 4 nieces and nephews into their home. The children’s mother died in December 2022 and their father in June 2023. The children experienced abuse and neglect and are receiving mental health services. Their parents are hoping for a nice Christmas for them.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Clothing, food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, gas card
FAMILY MEMBERS
Parents, Age 45
Suggested gifts: Gift cards for clothing, food, gas; Seminole fan gear
Son, Age 19
Suggested gifts: Arts and crafts, puzzles, games
Nephew, Age 19
Suggested gifts: 26” bike and helmet
Niece, Age 17
Suggested gifts: Tablet, make up, jewelry, teen gifts
Niece, Age 8
Suggested gifts: White doll, teddy bear, arts and crafts, costume jewelry, books
Nephew, Age 7
Suggested gifts: 20” bike with no gears and helmet, Ryan toys, trucks, playing cards, games, books
CASE # 410: Teen mom also cares for brother
PERSONAL DETAILS
This teen mother has had a very hard time in her short life. People who were supposed to protect her only took advantage of her vulnerability and naivete. She now has a child of her own and is also caring for her younger brother. Despite this she has shown great resiliency. Because of her age and lack of work experience, she has had trouble finding any work except seasonal labor. She has moved into a friend’s home where she rents an area separate from the main house. She has nothing except some clothes and some essential baby items. She and her brother have no beds or furniture or kitchen supplies.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Twin or full mattresses with bedding, blankets (2 twin and throws), food, diapers (size 5 and 6) and wipes, food, toiletries including feminine products, cleaning supplies.
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 18
Suggested gifts: Pots and pans, utensils, plates, glasses
Son, Age infant
Suggested gifts: Convertible baby crib with extra firm mattress (Storkcraft Sunset 4), Grow and Go Activity Center, Cool mist humidifier, alphabet puzzle, teething toy, bilingual baby books, Nuk learner sippy cup, baby spoons, baby grooming kit, travel system stroller
Brother, Age 15
Suggested gifts: Soccer ball, sporting goods, gift card for clothing
CASE # 422: Single mom with new baby
PERSONAL DETAILS
This single mother of 2 had a high-risk pregnancy and had to take maternity leave early. She just moved into an apartment to accommodate her new baby and son. She will be able to return to work in two months. She needs furniture for her apartment living area and kitchenette.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Area rugs for older son, towels, king sheets, curtains and rods, toaster, mixing bowls, toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers (size 1 and 2) and wipes,
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 27
Suggested gifts: King comforter set, purse, headphones, purse, candles, socks, gloves
Son, Age 7
Suggested gifts: Tablet, handheld games, arts and crafts/crayons/markers, books, cartoon throw blanket
Son, Age 1 month
Suggested gifts: Baby swing, lotion, blanket, baby wash and lotion, burp cloths, soft and musical toys, books
Grandmother, Age 46
Suggested gifts: Pots and pans, queen comforter set, fishing rod, wallet or small purse, puzzles books and pen, gloves, hat, bath and body products
How to help
Donate in person: Drop off donated items at the Christmas Connection site at 309 South Bronough Street (corner of Bronough and Pensacola, bottom level of Kleman Plaza). The site is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Days of operation are Nov. 26-Dec. 17. Deadline for donated items is Dec. 11.
Wish List: Shop early and shop easy with the Christmas Connection Amazon wish list. You can view the wish list at the website TheChristmasConnection.org.
Donate online or by mail: Make a monetary donation online at TheChristmasConnection.org or send a check to Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316.
Adopt a family: Complete a brief request form on the website and a family in need will be assigned to you by the volunteer adoption coordinator. All families are referred to us from social service organizations in the Big Bend area.
Host a Christmas Connection collection drive or holiday party: Gather people from your office, school, church, sports team, family or friends and host a party or collection drive. Sign up online on the website and then collect gift items, gift cards and/or monetary donations, which can be brought to the collection site.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 2023 Christmas Connection, Day 15: Widowed dad, teen mom need help
