1. Rosa is unemployed and in the middle of a difficult divorce after struggling for many years to cope with her husband’s alcoholism.  The mother and her two children are living with a relative and Rosa’s 11 year-old son Mateo is having trouble adjusting to his new school and has been the victim of bullying.  The family is receiving counseling services from Catholic Charities.  Your gift of $150 would buy new clothes for Mateo and a dollhouse for his younger sister.

2.  Isaac has overcome many traumas in his life, but maintains a positive attitude.  He has suffered multiple head injuries and has epilepsy.  In addition, Isaac ran with a rough crowd when he was younger, but has turned his life around and is a positive role model for his teenage children.  After a period of homelessness, Isaac and his family are part of Catholic Charities transitional housing program and also see a counselor to help stay on the right track.  Your gift of $150 could provide a bright Christmas for this family.

3.  Until recently, 81 year-old Iris was being financially and emotionally abused by the granddaughter she lived with.  Iris is thrilled to have the freedom of her own apartment and relieved to have escaped the abuse, but it’s difficult to start over as a senior.  Your gift of $150 will help Iris furnish her new apartment.

4.  Reggie had a successful career as a brick-layer until he suffered a devastating injury, which resulted in him becoming a paraplegic.  He is currently living with his ex-wife and she is his only caregiver.  Your gift of $150 will help Reggie and his ex-wife pay bills, put food on the table and buy some of the medication Reggie needs.

5.  Dexter, his wife Karen and their five children became homeless last year when Dexter lost his job.  The family stayed at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center (homeless shelter) for a few months before finding an apartment through the Rapid Re Housing Program.  Your gift of $300 will buy winter clothes, blankets and educational toys for this large family this Christmas.

6.  Lola never imagined that she would become pregnant at 16 years-old, but she has bravely chosen life for her baby and plans to continue attending high school after her child is born.  Your gift of $150 will help Lola buy the baby clothes and supplies she needs as she prepares for motherhood.

7.  Emma and her three young children recently moved into an apartment through Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing Program after spending time homeless and living in various motels.  This mother works very hard – full time on the night shift and attending school during the day.  You gift of $200 will buy work clothes and shoes for Emma and bed sheets for the family.

8.  Everyone in town knows Clinton for his outgoing personality and positive energy.  He has been a client with Catholic Charities’ Senior Case Management for many years because he lives on a very limited income.  Despite his struggles, Clinton greets everyone with a joke or a riddle – always making people smile.  Your gift of $150 will provide Clinton with his treasured daily cup of coffee and a few trips to the bowling alley. 

9.  J.R. and Adrianne are always financially stretched, but their situation recently became more difficult when J.R. was injured and won’t be able to work for a couple of weeks.  The family has also started caring for the children of a friend who passed away in addition to their own four children.  Your gift of $250 will buy winter clothes for this special family.

10.  Cherish is a single mom with seven children under the age of 15.  She’s on disability and struggles to pay her rent, but is working hard to improve her future.  Cherish is in cosmetology school and looks forward to starting her new career.  Your gift of $300 will help Cherish provide warm winter clothing and Christmas gifts for her children.

11.  Three years ago, Tina was removed from her biological mother after being abused and neglected.  Today, Tina is a well-adjusted 15 year-old girl who is in counseling with Catholic Charities to help her heal after the terrible abuse she endured at the hands of her mother.  Tina is doing very well in school, has friends, and loves her foster family very much.  She’s looking forward to a bright future and plans to attend college.  Your gift of $150 will provide Christmas gifts for Tina and the foster brother she loves so much.

12.  Yolanda and her three young daughters became homeless after fleeing from her abusive husband.  Yolanda’s 10 year-old daughter, Neveah has Down’s Syndrome and other health issues, including heart problems.  Catholic Charities’ transitional housing program has provided a place for this strong and determined family to live while Yolanda searches for a job.  The children also receive counseling from Catholic Charities.  Your gift of $200 will provide winter clothes, socks and undergarments for the girls.

13.  Miguel and Flora are a 60 year-old married couple who have major health challenges.  Miguel has a rare seizure disorder and cerebral palsy.  Flora has a degenerative nerve disorder.  They receive help from Catholic Charities’ Senior Companion Program and Money Management Program and are doing their best despite being very poor.  Your gift of $150 will buy Miguel and Flora an electric heater to keep warm this winter. 

14.  Shawna is a single mom struggling to provide for her five children.  She works day and night to keep a roof over their heads, but it’s difficult to find affordable housing for such a large family.  After spending time at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center (homeless shelter), Shawna’s family was able to move into an apartment, where they are excited to spend Christmas together.  Your gift of $300 will provide winter clothes, shoes and books for this family.

15.  When Felicia became pregnant at 16 years-old, she was frightened, but determined to be a wonderful mother.  She lives with her mother and six other siblings and is still attending high school during her pregnancy.  Your gift of $150 will help Felicia buy a crib and clothing for her baby.

16.  Two of Carmen’s children have chronic health problems which require frequent trips to the emergency room and surgeries.  Although Carmen works full time, she often has to take time away to care for her sick children.  Carmen will also add a baby grandchild to her family in the next few months, which will make her finances an even bigger struggle.  Your gift of $250 will help Carmen buy baby clothes for her children and grandchild.

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17.  70 year-old Anita is raising her 10 year-old adopted son in a mobile home in very poor condition.  She lives on a limited income and has strained family relationships.  Your gift of $150 will provide food for this small family and a few Christmas gifts for Anita’s son.

18.  Jon-Paul works as a temp, but hasn’t been able to find work as often lately.  Recently, the family car was vandalized and burned, leaving them without transportation.  Jon-Paul’s wife, Beth is pregnant with the couple’s third child.  Your gift of $200 will purchase basic household supplies and help this family get prepared for the new baby.

19.  Everyone knows they can rely on Tiffany.  This single mom works full time, raises her three children and recently began caring for her brother after he was injured in an accident.  With so many people to care for, it’s become challenging for Tiffany to pay her bills.  Your gift of $200 will allow this family to have much-needed winter clothing.

20.  Despite battling severe mental illness since childhood, Victoria is a college graduate and had a successful career for many years.  Unfortunately, she recently lost her job due to her medical and psychological problems.  Victoria has been receiving therapy from Catholic Charities’ counseling department and says without this help, she would have committed suicide.  Your gift of $150 will help Victoria pay for her basic needs, including prescription medication.

21.  Valarie is a single mom who recently underwent brain surgery.  She is in the process of rehabilitation and recovery while raising her four children.  Valarie’s family is benefiting from Catholic Charities’ Rapid Re Housing Program.  Your gift of $250 will buy winter clothes for the kids.

22.  During her difficult pregnancy with twins, Hayden had to take a lot of time off of work and was eventually fired.  Thankfully, despite complications, the twins were born healthy.  However, Hayden is still unemployed and is concerned that she won’t be able to buy Christmas presents for her 4 year-old daughter this year.  Your gift of $200 will allow Hayden to buy gifts for her daughter and supplies for the new babies.

23. Raquel bravely left her abusive boyfriend and entered a shelter to protect her one year-old daughter.  She is now benefiting from Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing Program and lives safely in an apartment.  Although Raquel has a job, she is still re-building her life and has a hard time making ends meet.  Your gift of $150 will help Raquel pay for gas for her long commute to work and also diapers and wipes for her daughter.

24.  Daisy lives alone and rarely has visitors, especially during the cold winter months.  She lives on an extremely limited income and has a hard time keeping warm at night and often sleeps in her living room to be closer to her heater.  Your gift of $150 will buy a small space heater for Daisy’s bedroom and some warm clothes and slippers.

25.  Roberto and Sonya both work minimum wage jobs and are unable to support their large family on this income.  Their five children have outgrown their coats, jeans and sweaters from last winter.  Your gift of $300 will buy winter clothes for this family.

26.  Jolene is a pre-school teacher who has been raising her three children alone after her husband left the family last year.  Education is a top priority for Jolene and her oldest son, Sam is in the process of applying for college.  The family loves to read together and your gift of $200 would buy books and toys for this bright family this Christmas.

27.  Cecilia was very excited when her children were accepted into Catholic Charities’ Head Start Program because it afforded her the time to go back to school and seek employment.  As a single parent with two young children, life has been a struggle, but Cecilia remains positive and driven to succeed.  Your gift of $150 will help this determined young family have Christmas presents this year.

28.  When Marlon first met with his counselor at Catholic Charities, he wasn’t ready to confront his alcoholism.  However, after many months of counseling and hard work, he is now dedicated to the process of sobriety and motivated to find work, save money and find a permanent place to live.  Marlon and his wife are looking forward to spending the holidays together with a new sense of sobriety.  Your gift of $150 will help this couple buy the basic home necessities they still struggle to afford.

29.  Natalia and her three young sons became homeless when their rental home was cited by the city as being unfit for housing.  Thankfully, the young family was referred to Catholic Charities and now lives in Transitional Housing.  Natalia remains determined despite many obstacles, including two of her children battling chronic health problems.  Your gift of $200 will provide this family with new clothes and shoes for winter.

30.  Rita is a single mom with three children, one of whom is in Catholic Charities’ Head Start Program.  Because they are struggling financially, the family is renting a room at Rita’s mother’s house.  Your gift of $200 will help this family replace the winter coats that Rita’s children have outgrown. 

31.  Gordon and Angie have a very special… and very large family.  With a strong support system of family and friends, this couple provides a warm and loving home for their ten children.  Angie stays home to care for the children and Gordon has had trouble finding steady employment.  Despite their financial challenges, the children are happy, healthy and well-adjusted.  Your gift of $300 will help this big family get furniture and blankets.

32.  Alicia and her six children are recovering from a difficult divorce.  Although Alicia works, it’s difficult to manage monthly expenses on her income.  After feeding and clothing six children, there often isn’t any leftover money for other necessities.  Your gift of $300 would help Alicia buy some of these necessities for her children and maybe some toys, too.

33.  Olivia is a hearing impaired single mom who works long hours at a fast food restaurant to support her family.  Although she struggles to pay bills and overcome her difficult past, Olivia receives counseling from Catholic Charities and is determined to have a bright future.  Your gift of $150 will buy household items for Olivia’s new apartment.

34.  Max and Janelle have been married for many years and both work full time to support their three children.  Although they can only afford one car, Max has found co-workers to provide rides to and from his job.  Your gift of $200 will buy warm winter clothing for Max and Janelle’s family.

35.  Denise is a full time college student with the goal of becoming an administrative assistant.  She’s proud to be on the honor roll and is eager to finish school, find a good job and support her five children.  When Denise has extra time, she volunteers in her daughter’s Head Start classroom.  Your gift of $300 will help this family buy towels, cleaning supplies and some Christmas presents.

36.  Joy is working hard to overcome her history of substance abuse while she raises her three children.  She’s taking classes and working toward receiving her culinary license so that she can get a job doing what she is most passionate about – cooking and baking.  Your gift of $200 will help this eager student provide warm clothes for her family.

37.  Darlene and her three year-old son Anthony have been struggling with homelessness and unemployment all year.  At times, the tiny family has been fortunate enough to find a place to stay, but often they end up at a homeless shelter.  Darlene takes good care of Anthony and has him enrolled in Catholic Charities’ Head Start Program.  Your gift of $150 will help Darlene and Anthony pay for a place to stay this Christmas. 

38.  When Cheryl was fired from her job, she came to Catholic Charities for help.  Catholic Charities helped this single mom with three young children quickly find work as a home health aide.  However, the family still struggles to pay bills and Cheryl is concerned that she won’t be able to provide Christmas gifts for her children.  Your gift of $200 will allow Cheryl’s kids to have gifts under their Christmas tree this year.

39.  Sandi recently obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant License and moved to the Joliet area with her five children to start fresh.  She is working hard and focused on saving money, if possible.  Your gift of $300 will provide basic necessities for this family – like pajamas and underwear.

40.  April is a single mom who works as a bus driver to support her six children after recently being abandoned by her husband.  Your gift of $300 would provide warm clothes for April’s children this winter.

41. Lindsay is a single parent with two young children and expecting a new baby soon.  She is currently enrolled in GED classes and plans to continue to college and hopes to earn a degree to better provide for her family.  She is considered an “excellent” and eager volunteer in her son’s Head Start classroom.  Your gift of $200 will help this growing family have gifts on Christmas morning. 

42. Noel is expecting her fourth child, but recently had to quit her job as a medical assistant when she had to go on bed-rest due to pregnancy complications.  She plans to seek employment as soon as possible after she gives birth, but in the meantime, she can’t afford Christmas gifts for her children.  Your gift of $200 will allow Noel to buy Christmas presents for her kids and also some baby supplies.

43.  Claudia and her five children recently became homeless after a domestic violence situation left her suddenly single and unable to afford housing for her large family.  They are staying with Claudia's sister until they can get into an affordable apartment.  It's been a challenging year emotionally and financially and Claudia's young children deserve to have presents for Christmas.  Your gift of $300 could help purchase gifts for this family.

44.  Kelly has a chronic disease which caused her to become paralyzed from the waist down.  She cannot work or drive, but is responsible for her four children.  Despite these difficult circumstances, Kelly remains cheerful.  Your gift of $250 would purchase household items and clothing for this family.

45.  Grace is a senior who has lived with paranoid schizophrenia for many years.  She is a great advocate for herself and others with similar challenges.  She lives on a very low income and is unable to pay for anything beyond her basic needs.  Your gift of $150 would pay for the Tai Chi classes Grace wants to take to help manage her stress.

46.  Nia is 6 months pregnant with her third child and is working with a nurse in Catholic Charities' Expectant Mothers Initiative.  She recently graduated from college and is eager to find a job with her new degree, but is currently unemployed and concerned that she won't be able to buy Christmas gifts for her children this year.  Your gift of $200 would buy clothes and toys for this family.

47.  Mona and Jason are struggling to pay their bills with one part-time income.  These loving parents volunteer in their 3 year-old daughter, Isabella's Head Start classroom.  They live with Jason's mother, but hope to rent their own apartment soon.  Your gift of $250 could get this family basic necessities and also something special for Isabella.

48.  When Alex's wife of 16 years was killed in a tragic accident this fall, he became a single dad to the couple's five children.  While the family grieves this sudden loss, Alex also struggles to pay bills, provide basic necessities for his children and continue to pay funeral costs.  Your gift of $300 could give Alex and his family a bright Christmas.

49.  Josefina works hard to provide for her large family, but her limited income barely covers the cost of food.  Despite their challenges, Josefina’s teenagers are all honor roll students.  Josefina would like to buy clothing and bedding for her children – and a new vacuum.  Your gift of $300 would help make that happen.

50.  Imani and her two children stayed in a refugee camp in a war-torn country after her husband was killed.  After barely surviving her time in the camp with very little food or clean water, the family came to the United States.  Although Imani spoke very little English and suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when she arrived in the U.S., she is flourishing with help from Catholic Charities' SHIFT program, a Permanent Supportive Housing Program for homeless families in DuPage County.  Your gift of $150 could allow Imani to buy gifts for her children this Christmas.

51.   John is 55 years-old and lives alone with his dog in a mobile home.  He suffers from dementia in addition to several other medical problems.  When Catholic Charities' began helping John, he was behind in his rent and in danger of eviction.  He had no food and couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten.  He's now getting caught up on rent and benefiting from home delivered meals.  John would like to buy a vacuum to help clean up the pet hair in his home.  Your gift of $150 would make this happen.

52.   Amanda is facing an unplanned pregnancy.  She's working with a case manager from Catholic Charities' Maternity Services Program and is deciding between adoption and parenting her child.  Amanda is unable to work during her pregnancy and needs to buy household essentials.  Your gift of $150 could help Amanda get these items.

53.  Nicole is known for her strength and determination to make a better life for her five children.  She and her family recently escaped a violent relationship and ended up at a Catholic Charities' homeless shelter.  With little income and no family support, Nicole was in a tough situation. However she found a job, saved money and rented an apartment with help from Catholic Charities.  The family is looking forward to spending their first Christmas together...safe in their new home.  Your gift of $300 could help Nicole obtain household items for her new apartment.

54.   Sofia suffered major brain trauma when she was beaten by her husband.  After sustaining this horrible injury, she became a homeless single mother with no income and very little family support.  Catholic Charities helped Sofia rent a home where she can recover and keep her family safe.  Although her own personal struggles could be overwhelming, Sofia's top priority is caring for her children.  The whole family needs coats and boots for winter.  Your gift of $250 would make this happen.

55.   Ana has custody of her two young nieces and works hard to provide a safe and loving life for them.  She is proud of recently becoming a Certified Nurses’ Assistant and hopes that with her new certification, she can find new job and move the family to a better neighborhood because her current job barely pays the bills.  Your gift of $150 could help this family buy winter clothes and a few new toys for Christmas.

56.  Jasmine entered Catholic Charities' Transitional Housing Program after she courageously left her abusive husband while she was pregnant and had three other young children.  She returned to work immediately after her baby was born and is working hard to take care of her family and overcome the many obstacles she faces as a single parent.  Jasmine needs professional clothes for her new job in addition to diapers and other household items.  Your gift of $250 could make this happen.

57. Kiara had a tough childhood and now that she’s a mom, her main goal is ensuring that her children receive the best education and attend top colleges.  Her children participate in Catholic Charities’ Head Start program to gain the experiences that she was not fortunate enough to receive.  As a single mom, Kiara struggles with meeting the basic needs of her five children.  Your gift of $300 would provide this family with the warm winter clothing they desperately need.

58.   Marie is a senior who was the victim of financial exploitation for many years.  She lives on a very limited income and came to Catholic Charities for help because her bills were going unpaid and having her utilities shut off was imminent.  After working with a case manager at Catholic Charities, Marie has caught up on her bills.  She would be thrilled with new sheets for her bed and a blanket for winter.  Your gift of $150 would make this happen.

59.   Cassandra is a mom to four young girls who became homeless last year and stayed at Catholic Charities’ Hope House shelter.  Now, the family lives in Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing and Cassandra works two jobs in an effort to pay off her debts and save money for her own place.  Your gift of $250 would help Cassandra purchase a home computer to take online classes.

60.   Although Shanice hadn't intended to become pregnant, she chose life and is optimistic about parenting her child.  Shanice's pregnancy is considered high-risk because she struggles with mental illness.  With the help of her case manager from Catholic Charities' Maternity Services Program, she's reading books and taking classes to learn how to be a good parent.  Your gift of $150 would help Shanice buy baby items to prepare for her bundle of joy.