2023 Christmas Connection, Day 16: Help wrap up the last cases
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. This the last of the 40 cases highlighted this year. Here's how you can help.
CASE # 443: Single mom of 4
PERSONAL DETAILS
This single mother of 4 young children lost her mother at an early age and grew up in foster care. Since she has limited support, she struggles to provide for her children and make ends meet with her part-time job. They have had unstable housing but just moved into a 2-bedroom apartment and needs household items. She is dependent on community resources for transportation, food, and financial support.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blankets (4 twin, 1 full/queen), food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers (size 3 and 6) and wipes, gas
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 30
Suggested gifts: Microwave, dishes, gift card for clothes and gas
Son, Age 5
Suggested gifts: Tablet, balls, games, books, toys
Daughter, Age 3
Suggested gifts: African American baby doll, doll house, books, toys, puzzles
Son, Age 2
Suggested gifts: Dinosaur toys, games, ball, books, puzzles
Son, Age 6 months
Suggested gifts: Highchair, walker, baby toys, books
Holiday giving: Christmas Connection, Day 14: Accidents and illness hamper mother, grandmothers
CASE # 445: Mom with sickle cell
PERSONAL DETAILS
This mother of 2 experiences frequent pain from Sickle Cell Anemia and is unable to maintain regular employment. In July 2023, the family house burned down and the family has been “couch hopping” while they seek stable housing. The Red Cross supplied temporary housing and some food, but on her fixed income it is hard to find affordable housing. The physical pain and stress of seeking housing has taken its toll on her health. Her mother also lives with the family.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Food, gas toiletries, cleaning supplies
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 22
Suggested gifts: Arts and crafts, gift cards for clothing and gas
Daughter, Age 7
Suggested gifts: 20” Bike with no gears and helmet, educational toys and games, especially with Jojo Siwa logo, books
Daughter, Age 3
Suggested gifts: Educational games and toys, coloring book and crayons, games, books
Holiday giving: Christmas Connection, Day 13: Families battle homelessness, fires and hurricanes
CASE # 397: Grandmother raising grandchildren
PERSONAL DETAILS
This disabled grandmother is raising her 3 grandchildren since the birth of the 12-year-old boys because their mother was in the military. Now that the mother is discharged, she has a mental disorder that prevents her from caring for the children. The grandmother altered her retirement plans to care for them. The boys are doing well in 6th grade and enjoy sports and music. The family enjoys going to the park and playing games.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blankets (1 twin, 1 full/queen, 1 king), cleaning supplies, diapers (size 3) and wipes, food, toothbrushes and toothpaste for all
FAMILY MEMBERS
Grandmother, Age 63
Suggested gifts: Cookware, kitchen and bath towels, deodorant, lotion
Grandson, Age 12
Suggested gifts: Football, basketball, Uno game, sporting goods, Playstation game card, books
Grandson, Age 12
Suggested gifts: Football, basketball, Uno game, sporting goods, Playstation game card, books
Granddaughter, Age 6 months
Suggested gifts: Learning toys, baby lotion, clothes (6-9 months), books
CASE # 400: After mother died, grandparents adopt
PERSONAL DETAILS
This 68-year-old two-time cancer surviving grandmother is raising her 5 grandchildren with her 72-year-old disabled husband. They began raising the children when their mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. Their mother died in 2014 and the grandparents adopted the children. They have no interaction with their father. The grandparents maintain a positive attitude and they are very involved with the children’s school, sports, and church activities.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blanket (full/queen), food, cleaning supplies, toiletries (toothpaste and brushes, shampoo, deodorant), clothing gift cards
FAMILY MEMBERS
Grandmother, Age 68
Suggested gifts: Large bath towels, bath and body products
Grandson, Age 17
Suggested items: Remote control car or plane, Beats headphones, acne face cleanser
Granddaughter, Age 16
Suggested items: Beats headphones, board games, make up, nail polish, hair accessories and gel
Granddaughter, Age 15
Suggested items: Beats headphones, nail polish, teen gifts
Granddaughter, Age 11
Suggested items: Beats headphones, jewelry, nail polish, books
Granddaughter, Age 9
Suggested items: 20” bike with no gears and helmet, African American doll that talks, toys, games, books
CASE # 405: Grandmother is raising 6
PERSONAL DETAILS
This grandmother is raising her 6 grandchildren, the youngest are twin 5-year-old boys. Since has raised them for most of their lives since neither parent can provide proper care. Although she suffers from depression, she does what she can to provide for the children. The family enjoys reading together, playing games, and taking walks outside.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blankets (1 twin, 1 full/queen), food, cleaning supplies, toiletries (body wash, etc.), clothing gift certificates
FAMILY MEMBERS
Grandmother, Age 65
Suggested gifts: Pots and pans, silverware, queen sheet set, Dove body wash
Grandson, Age 12
Suggested items: Board games, arts and crafts, books, toys, puzzles
Granddaughter, Age 11
Suggested items: Purse, nail polish, books, games
Granddaughter, Age 10
Suggested items: Race car, arts and crafts, toys, books, puzzles
Grandson, Age 6
Suggested items: Toy cars, books, balls, puzzles, games
Grandson, Age 5
Suggested items: Hot Wheels, Paw Patrol toys, books, puzzles, games, balls
Grandson, Age 5
Suggested items: Hot Wheels, Paw Patrol toys, books, puzzles, games, balls
CASE # 517: Mom going from HOPE to housing
PERSONAL DETAILS
This mother of 2 sought services for domestic violence, homelessness, and financial hardship. The agency was able to find space for them in the HOPE homeless shelter until housing could be found. They have now been approved for housing and await move-in. They need assistance settling in and providing Christmas for the cildren.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Gas card, food, cleaning supplies
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 39
Suggested gifts: Walmart or Publix gift cards
Daughter, Age 12
Suggested gifts: Science games, age-appropriate toys and books
Son, Age 8
Suggested gifts: Pokemon and action figures, games, toys, books
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 through 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: Help wrap up final cases
