Staff reports



All of the money raised goes directly to the clients. The newspapers have been involved in holiday campaigns since 1983 and saw donations dip last year to less than $63,000.


No. 101: Carol worked for many years, providing for her four children after the death of her husband until debilitating back pain forced her to stop work. Every day is a struggle to complete basic tasks. As her doctors debate on the best course of treatment, she must still cope with daily responsibilities, many of which revolve around the needs of her baby grandson, who was born with significant medical problems requiring frequent visits to specialists, many in Yale-New Haven. Carol's daughter relies on her to provide not only emotional support, but also practical help, especially transportation to and from the many appointments. Carol is just months from paying off her car, but unexpected bills have caused her to fall behind on her last car payment and now she is being threatened with having the car repossessed if she does not pay the delinquent balance. A grant of $680 will help her keep her car.

No. 102: Life is very hard when you are trying to support yourself and your two young children on the income you receive from disability. Sara is legally blind so she is unable to work, and her partner, who was providing some financial assistance, has lost his job. She is fortunate to have a subsidy which pays for part of her rent, but she still has to pay her portion. A gift of $540 would lift an enormous burden from her and enable her to face the new year with confidence.

No. 103: Maria and her husband and young daughter lost everything they owned and the place where they lived when Superstorm Sandy flooded the small apartment they rented. Maria and her husband work, but they have not been able to move to a new apartment because they do not have enough money for a security deposit. The water damaged all their furniture and clothing and they will need to replace them. A grant of $1,000 will enable them to give a security deposit on a new apartment and start to rebuild their lives with some furniture.

No. 104: From a young age, Karen always knew that she wanted to be somehow involved with children. From helping her mother raise her siblings to then solely providing for her own children, she always met every challenge with open arms. Recently, her heart was called upon once more when she had to take in and care for her sister's child. With this new responsibility came more financial obligation, and she decided to seek part-time employment in addition to the full-time job she already had. She also had to acquire a bigger apartment and needed assistance with placing a security deposit on it. By providing $1,000 toward their new apartment, Karen can continue to lovingly provide for all of the children in her household.