NEWS

Share Your Christmas: Vignettes 5-8

Jan Peterson
For the News-Leader
Share Your Christmas

Story No. 5

“Expenses haven’t broken us, but they have kept us from being able to put anything back for Christmas,” Mom writes. From there, she went on to explain how, during the summer, the family got behind on rent and were worried about losing their apartment. But with hard work they have managed to pay the overdue rent, along with some advance payments. Mom is expecting a baby this month and wants to be sure their housing is secure while she takes two weeks off from work. While the family has taken care of their rent, they have not been able to afford car repairs, so they depend on public transportation to get to work and doctor appointments. Mom’s employers say she is such a conscientious worker that a few times, despite the expense, she has taken a taxi to work to be sure she arrives on time. Because of a lack of transportation and child-care issues, Dad is not employed outside the home. He stays busy walking their twin daughters to and from school and preparing for the new baby.

Christmas gift suggestions for the 5-year-old twin girls include a CD player with age-appropriate CDs, art kits and gift certificates to Build-A-Bear Workshop. Both girls need shoes for school. A baby swing, diapers, wipes and crib sheets are needed for the awaited baby girl. Mom and Dad did not indicate a need for clothing for themselves but said they would appreciate a vacuum cleaner or microwave.

Story No. 6

The return to good health will certainly be on the list of things this grandfather is thankful for. Earlier in fall, he had emergency surgery and has just received permission to return to work. Grandpa is employed by a local college and has no income when classes are not in session. Lack of work during the long summer break, plus the pay lost while recovering from surgery, have depleted the funds he had planned to use for gifts for his three grandsons. Several years ago, Grandpa and his wife adopted two of her grandsons. About the same time, Grandpa received Power of Attorney for his grandson. In his letter to Share Your Christmas, Grandpa writes, “In August of 2015 she (Grandmother) passed away, leaving me to raise the boys alone. What the boys need are clothes and toys, as any kid would need. We are used to surviving on not much, but it gets old not having the money to fix the fridge or buy them something they would like to have.”

The oldest boy, age 10, would like a dirt bike and games for the Xbox 360. Max Tow Trucks are on the gift lists for the younger boys, ages 5 and 4. They would also enjoy remote-controlled cars or skateboards. Grandpa needs shoes for work and a set of dishes. But his biggest worry is getting a working refrigerator for the home. Without a way to keep food cool, he hasn’t been able to shop as efficiently as he would like.

Story No. 7

When asked about her childhood, this care center resident said, “I loved to play baseball. I was a real tomboy.” Later in life, this woman worked at General Electric and was a clerk in a small grocery store. Now she enjoys quieter activities such as crocheting. At the care center, she is known for helping others whenever she can. A sweat suit, blouse and socks are suggested Christmas gifts. Health care products such as body wash or lotion would also be enjoyed.

Story No. 8

Milky Way candy bars, jeans, a shirt and underwear are all on the Christmas list for this care center resident. He grew up in a small town in Indiana where he enjoyed spending winter days playing in the snow and ice fishing. As an adult, he served in the U.S. Army, Infantry Division, and later worked in a mill that produced wire. Watching television is now his favorite activity.

Share Your Christmas

Share Your Christmas is the News-Leader’s annual campaign, in partnership with Crosslines, to give readers an opportunity to share their holiday spirit with others.

Today, we continue to highlight families and care center residents who need help.

Families may be adopted by a single donor or by a group working together to help one of the larger families. Donors can adopt an entire family, one family member, donate a single gift or donate any amount of money. Every dollar helps. Readers who wish to donate gifts can call Share Your Christmas at 417-866-8008. Callers should refer to the story number they wish to help, and they will be given specific information such as clothing sizes.

Gifts must be delivered to the east side of the Crosslines building at 615 N. Glenstone Ave. by Dec. 14. The hours to deliver gifts are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

To make a monetary donation, send a check payable to Crosslines, Share Your Christmas, and the story number if applicable in the memo line. If the needs of that family have been met, and you are willing to assist with other families in the Crosslines holiday programs, please write “or as needed” in the memo line. Donations may be mailed to Share Your Christmas, 615 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield MO 65802. Monetary donations may be made through the end of December.