Christmas Connection, Day 12: Help young moms, grandmother with cancer, teens, toddlers
Over the next two weeks, 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 Nov. 26-Dec. 17. Here's how you can help.
CASE # 202: Young mom of 2, grandmother with cancer
PERSONAL DETAILS
This young mother of 2 is now the primary caretaker for her grandmother after grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. The grandmother’s health deteriorated rapidly, and she lost her vision. She had been the children’s babysitter while the mother worked. The mother lost several jobs when her childcare situation became unstable. Mother started working a month ago after she secured childcare. The family would appreciate help for the holidays.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Gas, groceries, clothing, air fryer, TV, pots and pans, 2 toddler beds with bedding, queen mattress, king comforter set, cleaning supplies, and toiletries
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 18
Suggested gifts: Books (romance novels and nonfiction), African American hair products, perfume and bath/body products
Grandmother, Age 65
Suggested gifts: Queen bedding set, suitcase
Son, Age 3
Suggested gifts: 10” Bike and helmet, magnet blocks, cars, light up toys, educational books and games
Son, Age 2
Suggested gifts: 10-12 balance bike and helmet, light up toys, cars/trucks, books and games
CASE # 207: Mom of 5 lost car, then job
PERSONAL DETAILS
This single mother of 5 was in a car accident and lost her car. Then, her house was damaged in the hurricane, so she and her family had to move in with relatives while it is being repaired. The mother lost her job when she lost her car but has been actively seeking new employment. With no car, no house, and bills, this family could use some holiday cheer.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Clothing gift cards
FAMILY MEMBERS
Daughter, Age 16
Suggested gifts: Purse, teen gifts
Daughter, Age 13
Suggested gifts: Purse, tablet, teen gifts, entertainment gift cards
Daughter, Age 6
Suggested gifts: Play kitchen items and play food, games, toys, books
Daughter, Age 3
Suggested gifts: African American baby doll, toys, books
Daughter, Age 3
Suggested gifts: African American baby doll, 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. 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.
Blanket Days: Drop off new blankets and heaters from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the 309 South Bronough location. A volunteer will help you unload your car. Additional dropoff locations: 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: Christmas Connection, Day 12: Give toddler beds or gifts for teens
