ADOPTED: Good News Case #9

This case involves a single mother who is on disability due to learning problems, depression and anxiety. She is raising five children on her own with little support. She’s starting over after getting herself out of an abusive relationship. One of her sons is very delayed and may be autistic. Mom has some financial problems getting items the children need, such as beds and a crib. Mom is very appreciative of any help she can get through the Good News program this year.

Wish List: A small freezer, bedding, pots and pans and a skillet are being requested. All family members need winter clothes and hats and gloves, and learning toys that promote speech and learning for the younger children would be appreciated. Size 4 diapers and wipes are also being asked for.

Mom and Dad have worked very hard to get where they are today – clean and sober for three years now. Dad works full time, and Mom takes care of their youngest. The family is about to get custody of a second child that officials have removed from dad’s ex’s home. The blended family needs help having a decent Christmas this year.

Wish List: The family requests a microwave, Bun coffee pot, white or gray crib bedding, cleaning products and pots and pans. Warm clothes for winter for the girls, as well as Minnie Mouse toys and learning toys are also asked for. Mom and Dad ask for clothing and shoes for their gifts.

This family consists of four children – one of whom is disabled and requires frequent doctor trips – and both parents. Mom stays at home to care for the children and ensure all the therapist and doctor visits are attended. Dad works one job and will soon start a second. The caseworker says the parents have been organized and driven to succeed and do everything with the best interest of their children in mind. The rent for their home recently went up, and that leaves little excess after paying bills each month.

Wish List: The family asks for a large deep fryer, a computer printer, a bagless vacuum and an 8 by 10 area rug. The children need new clothes and are asking for age-appropriate DVDs and toys. Mom and Dad ask for plastic ware for leftovers and large totes.

The caseworker of this blended family says both Mom and Dad suffered from difficult circumstances in their previous marriages, but together they’ve found love and a deep bond. The caseworker has watched Mom grow from a young lady who wasn’t sure of her future to a strong, capable mother. Dad is a Veteran who works hard to help make sure the family’s necessities are met. Mom works, too, but there’s still little leftover each month. The caseworker is certain Good News will make their family’s Christmas extra special this year.

Wish List: Regular size crib sheets are requested, as is a bean bag chair and a full-size carpet cleaner. Mom is asking for a pressure cooker and a cat tree scratcher. The children need winter coats, new clothes and would like some educational toys.

When the caseworker for this case first met this mother of five, she found a broken person who had little hope. Mom had lost – but regained – custody of her children. She was timid to ask for any help. Throughout the past few years, Mom has remained clean and sober and has gainful part-time employment. She’s trying to be the best role model to her five sons. She is a true success story, the caseworker says, and Mom is trying to make sure this Christmas is special as it’s the first time in five years the whole family will be together.

Wish List: The household needs include two Twin-size sheet and comforter sets, large laundry baskets, shower organizers and a mop. The children need clothing and shoes, and have asked for items such as binoculars, a soccer ball, a basketball and an art set. Mom would like dishes and bathroom towels, as well as a pair of running shoes.

The mom in this case has struggled with drug abuse in the last and lost her two oldest children for a time because of it. She has now been clean for two years, has custody of her children back and had a third child as well. She’s single and struggles but has a good support system in place. Mom’s caseworker says there is great potential in her and has watched her improve herself greatly throughout her journey.

Wish List: The family would like a cookie sheet, blue bath towels and household items such as laundry soap, dish soap, paper towels and toilet paper. Mom says a lot of size 6 diapers and wipes are needed, as well as training pants. Mom would like a pocket calendar/planner and a Queen-sized comforter for her bed. The children need new clothes and toys, and the youngest needs baby lotion and wash cloths.

This family of four really struggles making ends meet. Mom has multiple sclerosis, a disease which the immune system eats away at the protective coverings of nerves. She has also been emotionally abused by family members, so doesn’t have a large support system. She stays positive for her children throughout their struggles, but she can’t work, and her disability income is small. The caseworker says this is a great family dealing with sad circumstances.

Wish List: The family would like two 16-piece set of dishes, red or white pattern. They also ask for a handheld mixer and two twin comforters and sheet sets. The boy would like new clothes and cologne, and a black alarm clock. The girls would like clothing and art supplies. Mom has also asked for makeup and a bird house.

This family of four has been through tough times lately. Mom seeks employment since her baby is a little bit older, but Dad is disabled and can’t work due to cancer. Their other child is homeschooled due to his own disability. The caseworker thinks any help they can get through the campaign this year will make a huge impact on their lives.
 
Wish List: The family has asked for bath towels. Dad wants a metal wrench set, a standard wrench set and a hydraulic floor jack. The children need age-appropriate toys and new clothes. The baby needs size 4 diapers and wipes.

The father in this case was a single dad raising four young ladies. He recently remarried, and the blended family has been working together to better their situation. Dad was working a lot of overtime to help increase their income, but an upcoming surgery means his work and income is now limited. They are lucky to have the support of family in the area but are trying to become more self-reliant and a boost could really be helpful this Christmas.

Wish List: The household needs include navy bath towels, a shower curtain, non-breakable tableware and Queen and King-sized sheet sets in navy. The children would like new clothes, coats, a pink fishing pole, Christmas white string lights and a basketball hoop. Mom and Dad need new winter coats, too.