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Brighten a life this Christmas – sponsor a family through the
Gift of Christmas Program and make their season as joyous as
yours! Many of the families served at Catholic Charities
rely on the generosity of our donors at Christmas to make the
holidays bright. Many are single mothers, children in foster
care and the elderly struggling to live on meager budgets.
The following stories are true and are based on the
clients currently being served at Catholic Charities
throughout the Diocese of Joliet. Some of these stories
appeared in the Christ is Our Hope magazine.
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To
sponsor an individual or family this Christmas,
simply choose the family and click on the button
below:
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 Mari, 4, and Christina,
3, are darling little girls who are enrolled in
Catholic Charities’ Head Start program. Their
parents are in their early 20’s, work hard and speak
little English. The children speak both languages
very well, and their parents are very proud of them.
Earning minimum wage makes it difficult for the
close-knit family to make ends meet. Your gift
of $200 will be used to buy Christmas presents and
clothes for the little angels!
Patricia is 65 years old and
lives in the Kankakee area. She is also a
victim of financial and emotional abuse. She
was recently asked to leave her apartment because
her landlord told her she hadn’t paid the rent in
months. A family member was keeping the money
for himself. Thanks to Catholic Charities
Patricia is safe again. However, after her
social security check she can barely cover rent and
utilities. Your gift of $100 will be used to
buy her food, clothing and household items.
Keisha
is six months old. She was born with several
birth defects including the absence of thumbs.
She is currently on a waiting list for a surgical
procedure to address her disability. Her older
brother is enrolled in Catholic Charities Head Start
program. Your gift of $200 will be used to cover
transportation costs for Keisha’s parents as well as
some Christmas gifts for the family.
Jose
is a proud husband and father of three. He
recently was injured and is now unable to work.
His wife, Angela, is also pregnant and was recently
diagnosed with Lupus. Despite these
challenges, this family remains positive and turns
to their faith for comfort. Your gift of $200
will brighten their Christmas.
Ally
and Abby are four-year-old twins. Although
their mother is fairly young, she is very
resourceful and confident. She has learned how to
help them with their asthma and works hard to
provide for them. These little girls need warm
winter clothing, blankets and a sweet surprise from
Santa under the tree on Christmas morning.
Your gift of $150 will have sugar plums dancing in
their heads!
Jesse
is three years old. He is very worried about
his mom who is six months pregnant and on bed rest
due to complications with her pregnancy. Jesse
loves going to school (Head Start) and loves to ride
the bus. Your gift of $100 will be used to buy
Jesse some warm winter clothes, new shoes and
pajamas.
Manny is 75 years old and lives in the
southern part of the diocese. He lives on $650 a month
which leaves him little or nothing for fun activities.
Manny’s favorite thing to do is visit the local coffee shop
every morning. He’s a regular there and loves to talk with
the other guests. Your gift of $50 will be used to buy
coffee for Manny every morning so he can continue to feel
good about himself!
Carrie is 30 years old and lives in DuPage
County. She has struggled for years with mental illness
that also led to poor relationship choices. As a result of
working with trained counselors at Catholic Charities she
left an abusive relationship. She is struggling
financially, but is very proud of her progress. Your gift of
$100 will be used to purchase household items.
Erica is four-years-old. She and her two
older sisters live with their mom in a homeless shelter in
Joliet. Their lives have been filled with many challenges
and despite adversity; they are close and very protective of
one another. Erica is already talking about Santa Claus and
hopes that because she has been a good girl this year that
Santa will bring her and her sisters some presents. Your
gift of $150 will make that happen.
Sue Ann is 70 years old, cares for two
teenage grandchildren that she has custody of, and barely
gets by with an income of just over $1,100 a month. She is
concerned about her gas bill this winter and is still paying
on a $300 bill from the summer. Frankly, this family needs
help with everything. Your gift of $300 or more will be
used to help pay for clothing, food, gas and school
supplies.
Jacob is an amazing four-year-old. He is
enrolled in Catholic Charities’ Head Start Program. Jacob
loves the TLC he gets at Head Start, especially because he
has five other siblings, including triplets who were born
prematurely a bout two years ago. Obviously, this family
could really use a helping hand at Christmas. Your gift of
$500 will be used to purchase clothing and a toy for each
child this Christmas.
Jillian is facing an unexpected pregnancy and
plans to surrender her child for adoption because she does
not feel that she can adequately care for a child. She is
currently working with a Catholic Charities Maternity
Services social worker. She has many basic needs because
she struggles with a minimum wage paying job. Your gift of
$100 will help her purchase food and maternity clothes for
the end of her pregnancy.
Millie and Ted have been married for 50
years. They have one child who is developmentally disabled
and lives in a group home. They often spend hours and lots
of money transporting their son to and from doctor
appointments in Chicago. Millie and Ted have always kept a
positive attitude and share that attitude as Senior
Companion Volunteers who visit the elderly in a nursing home
in Will County. Your gift of $100 will be used to purchase
a gas gift card to help defray this special couple’s
transportation costs.
Avery and James are four-year-old twins who
live with their mom and older sister in Joliet. Their
mother works full-time and occasionally tries to add in a
part-time job too for the extra income. The twins have a
laugh that would make anyone join in and their smiles are
contagious! This Christmas you can make this family’s
dreams come true with a gift of $150 that will be used to
buy gifts and clothing.
Laurie and her three children live in
Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing Program in DuPage
County. Laurie made some poor choices when she was younger
and as a result struggled with self-esteem and keeping a
job. Today she works with a Catholic Charities employment
counselor and maintains two jobs! She has never felt better
and is looking forward to moving into permanent housing in
the next six months. Your gift of $150 will be used to
purchase Christmas presents for this remarkable woman and
her children.
Amelia is a shy four-year-old. She is petite
and very soft spoken. She loves dolls and puppies. Her
mother works two part-time jobs around Amelia’s preschool
schedule so she can make ends meet. Your gift of $100 will
help put a new doll under Amelia’s Christmas tree.
Anthony and Jill met and were married in
California. A few years ago they and their two children
moved to the Joliet area to find better paying jobs.
Unfortunately, Anthony was involved in a serious car
accident and has been unemployed for several months. They
have fallen behind on their mortgage and fear the worst is
coming. Your gift of $250 will help provide a ray of hope
for this family by helping them buy needed winter clothing.
Edward is 29 years old and has recently
become a foster parent to his niece, 10, and nephew, 8.
Initially Edward wasn’t sure he could handle the
responsibilities, but the thought that someone else would
care for them was not a good one. Edward has done
remarkably well according to the child welfare worker at
Catholic Charities and she would like to see the family
celebrate the holidays in style with a new outfit and toy
for each child.
Your
gift of $150 will show this family how much you care.
Katrina is twenty years old and just had a
baby. When she discovered she was pregnant from a long-time
boyfriend, he left her and her family asked her to leave
their home. She felt so alone. Today, Katrina is living in
an apartment and barely making ends meet. She does not
regret her choice to keep the baby. Your gift of $100 will
be used to buy baby items and household items for the
sparsely furnished apartment.
Celia had no idea at age 64 she would
become a mother all over again to five young children.
Celia’s daughter, the mother of the children, has struggled
with drug addiction and mental illness for years. When the
children were removed from the home by DCFS, Celia stepped
in and now plans to adopt all five children as soon as the
courts allow it. Meanwhile, your gift of $300 will be used
to buy clothing and a special gift for each child this
Christmas.
Kathy is a 45 year old single mother of two.
She became homeless after her abusive husband left her and
children with no money and no place to go. Kathy is living
in the transitional housing program in DuPage County and is
doing very well. She is working and also taking classes to
become an RN. There is never extra money. Kathy would like
to make this first Christmas safe and a special one
for her kids. Your gift of $150 will allow her to do that.
Tamara and Tanya are teenage twins. They
have witnessed horrific things in their short 13 years and
are currently in foster care due to abuse and neglect. The
girls have found comfort in each other and in a special
counselor on staff at Catholic Charities. Your gift this
Christmas will be used to take the girls on a shopping spree
for new clothes – something they’ve never been allowed to
do.
Robert, 65, and his wife, Laura, 62, have
been married for many years. They have no children and live
in the southern part of the diocese. They both work and
live on very meager incomes. Laura has been ill and her
medications are costly. She does not qualify for Medicaid
and she has no insurance. Your gift of $200 will help Laura
get the medicine she needs.
Sam just celebrated his first birthday. He
was joined by his big brother, big sister and his
grandmother. Sam’s mother passed away shortly after he was
born and his grand mother is raising all three children.
Sam will never know his mother, but he will know the
unconditional love of his grandmother. This Christmas, make
the season brighter for this special family with your gift
of $150 that will be used to purchase clothing and toys for
these children.
Connie is a single mother of five who has
recently lost her job. Despite the stresses of her life,
Connie is focused on being resourceful and doing the best
she can to pay the rent and put food on the table. Frankly,
the thought of Christmas has made her sad because she knows
it will be a trying year. Your gift of $250 will help Connie
buy clothes for her children and even help her buy the food
to make a glorious Christmas dinner!
Lorraine has two children, ages four and five
years. She works two jobs and volunteers in a Head Start
classroom whenever she can. Lorraine relies on her car to
get her to work. Her car is in desperate need of repair and
the children also need clothing. Your gift of $250 will pay
for the repairs on Lorraine’s car and allow her to buy the
children some clothing for Christmas.
Nancy is almost 70 years young. Like most
seniors today, she struggles on a limited income. She
volunteers as a Senior Companion and a Foster Grandparent
but the tax-free stipend still is barely enough  to fill her
tank with gas and put food on the table. This Christmas,
put a smile on Nancy’s face and send your gift of $100 so
she can do something special for herself for a change!
Tommy is seven years old. He lives with his
grandparents in Kankakee because his mom is in jail as a
result of substance abuse and poor decisions. Tommy has an
active imagination and his grandparents often have a hard
time keeping up with him. One thing they know for sure is
that without a little help this Christmas they will never be
able to afford the video game system that Tommy has been
dreaming of all year. Your gift of $200 will have sugar
plums dancing in Tommy’s head this Christmas!
Jennifer finally packed up her four children
and left her abusive husband in the middle of the night. She
was paralyzed by fear but knew that she could no longer
rationalize keeping her kids in a dangerous and volatile
environment. Today Jennifer has three children enrolled in
the Catholic Charities Head Start program and she is working
full-time. Your gift of $250 will allow this incredibly
brave woman and her children to celebrate the holidays with
smiles on their faces and new coats on their backs.
Joy was born on Christmas day. She is
seven-years-old and she is in foster care. Her mother
struggled with mental health issues and physically abused
her. Last year, after a severe asthma attack, she was also
diagnosed with diabetes. It’s been a tough year for Joy,
but your gift of $150 will help buy her some needed
clothing, and especially some new Hannah Montana items.
Lori is in her late twenties and lives in
DuPage County. She suffers from Bi-Polar disorder and is
often plagued with manic episodes. As a result, she lost
several jobs, and almost filed for bankruptcy. She was also
on the verge of homelessness. With the help of a counselor
at Catholic Charities, Lori has been able to get her life
back on track. Your gift of $100 this holiday will be used
so that Lori can buy a new outfit as she interviews for a
new job.
Ravae is 32 years old and has a two year old
son. Two years ago her daughter died unexpectedly. Due to
overwhelming grief she found herself homeless and in a deep
depression. Thankfully she found her way to Catholic
Charities where she lives in a transitional housing
program. She started a new job and has even enrolled in
college courses. This Christmas the Catholic Charities
staff wants Ravae to feel special. Your gift of $150 will
be used to buy her some come clothing and buy her a new
purse and coat.
Kurt is a resident in the New Beginnings
program for chronically homeless men in Joliet. He has been
a blessing to the program since he moved in despite several
personal tragedies and loss. He is eager to help with the
maintenance of the home and is looked at by other residents
as a source of support. Your gift of $100 will be used to
buy Kurt some new clothes.
Kelly is nine years old and is in foster
care. Her father is in jail and her mother is living with
the man that sexually abused her. Kelly often feels sad and
lonely and her grandmother, whom she lives with, is always
trying to do what’s best for her. This Christmas your gift
of $250 will be used to help Kelly and her grandma celebrate
and forget the pain and suffering of the past year.
Daisy has a smile that would brighten
anyone’s day. She is in her early 20’s and is a single
mother of two living in Catholic Charities transitional
housing program. She is working full-time and atten ds
college. She has never missed a class. She accounts for
every penny and has really learned a lot about budgeting.
This Christmas your gift of $150 will be used to buy warm
winter clothing for Daisy’s two young children as well as a
$50 gas card.
John and Andrea live in DuPage County. They
arrived at Hope House shelter with their two children after
they experienced difficulty finding a landlord who would
accept a Section 8 housing voucher. On two occasions over
the course of six weeks, landlords accepted the vouchers,
but the apartments didn’t pass inspection. On another
occasion, after the family actually moved into an apartment,
the landlord abandoned the property and the family was
forced to return to the shelter. Your gift of $250 will be
used to help this family with household needs since they
recently and finally moved into permanent housing! Merry
Christmas!
Evelyn will be 90 years old next year and
lives in a rural area with her disabled son, and cat and a
dog who are truly members of her family. She lives on an
income of $850 a month. Recently Evelyn learned that she
has leaky bathroom plumbing that needs to be addressed.
Your gift of $300 will allow her to get the repairs done and
leave a little left over for a bountiful meal on Christmas.
David is 18 months old and was born addicted
to drugs. He is currently in the care of a loving foster
family. He appears to have some developmental disabilities
and his foster mom is actively involved with Catholic
Charities and other agencies to address these issues. Your
gift of $100 will be used to purchase recommended
developmental toys for David this Christmas.
Todd, 13, and Jamal, 10, have seen and
experienced horrific things. They are both living in a
residential facility. The boys were both sexually abused
and have suffered trauma beyond belief. Their two younger
siblings were adopted, but the boys have had some behavior
issues that have prevented a successful foster home
placement. Catholic Charities wants these boys to know that
they are loved. Your gift of $200 will be used to buy them
presents and Cubs clothing since they are both die-hard
fans.
Frank lost his job several years ago due to
health issues. He became chronically homeless after he lost
his job and his apartment. His dignity prevented him from
staying in a shelter so he lived on the streets of Joliet.
He is also a war veteran with a strong sense of pride.
Today Frank is a resident of New Beginnings. He has
survived cancer and is preparing for a hip replacement.
Despite these challenges, he remains positive and grateful
for the folks at Catholic Charities. Your gift of $100 will
be used to get him some new bedding in preparation for his
return from the hospital.
Amanda has a four-year-old daughter and a
baby on the way. She arrived at Hope House shelter in
DuPage County a few months ago. While she has always held a
job, she never earned enough for a place of her own so she
lived with another family is a crowded apartment. Today
Amanda has a new job and is earning is enough to afford her
own place, but after paying utilities, food and other
necessities, there is little left. Your gift of $150 will
allow Amanda to buy her daughter some clothing, a toy and
some items for the new baby.
Tamika is 12 years old. She has been in
foster care for six months and is preparing to go home to
her parents, Edward and Misty. The reunion will be a joyful
one and all are looking forward to Tamika’s homecoming.
Your gift of $150 will help this family celebrate this
special Christmas with gifts and a tree.
Sherry is 19 years old and is homeless. She
was born and raised in DuPage County. Six months ago,
Sherry lost her job, and lost temporary custody of
her young daughter because she was unable to provide a
stable home for her. Sherry is working a minimum wage
paying job and is focused on another job and securing
housing in order to get her daughter back. Your gift of
$100 will be used so that Sherry can buy clothes for work.
Janelle is 40 years old and has struggled
with mental health issues for many years. Despite her issues
she has been able to maintain stable housing and keep her
weekly counseling appointments. Her therapist has indicated
that she is focusing on the positive aspects of her life and
making great progress. Your gift of $100 will be used to
buy Janelle basic household products since her income is so
limited.
Kalen is two years old and is living in
foster care. His mother is struggling with drug addiction
and is living with a man who has a serious criminal record.
She has continually made poor choices when it came to
Kalen’s care. This Christmas, Kalen’s foster family would
like to buy him some new clothes and some toys. Your gift
of $100 will make that possible.
Mary is a grandmother caring for two young
grandchildren, ages 4 and 2. Like so many other
grandparents in this country, Mary came to the rescue when
her alcoholic daughter could no longer care for her
children. Mary would like to make this Christmas a special
one – one with only good feelings and happiness. Your gift
of $200 will be used to buy the girls some toys, clothing
and a Christmas tree!
Patti is a
single mom living in Kankakee with her three children.
Despite a serious illness, Patti continues to work and
struggles to provide basic needs for her family. Patti’s
ex-husband has not been located and has not paid child
support for years. This year, your gift of $250 will be
used to buy this family some clothes, bedding, towels, and
food.
Joe is a great guy. He is kind and has a
smile that can light up a room. Joe also suffers from
chronic mental illness which has made it impossible for him
to work. He currently lives in a housing program for single
men operated by Catholic Charities. He is the first one to
offer others a helping hand. Joe could really use some new
clothes. Your gift of $100 can make that happen.
Tracy is a single mom living in Catholic
Charities Transitional Housing Program. She has three
children. She graduated from cosmetology school, paid all
of her loans and is trying to save for further education. She
works two jobs and manages her tight budget really well.
Your gift of $200 will be used to buy clothes and household
items for Tracy’s children.
Macy is the greatest grandma in the world
according to her three little grandchildren, ages 3, 5, and
6. Soon she will be adopting the children since her
daughter’s parental rights were terminated. Macy not only
does her best to put a roof over their heads and food on the
table, she spends time at garage sales looking for good buys
on bikes, toys, and clothing. This Christmas the staff at
Catholic Charities would like to treat Macy and the kids to
a great Christmas full of presents and a great meal. Your
gift of $250 will make that possible.
Crystal is only 27 years old, but already has
her hands full. She has two young children of her own, but
is also caring for her younger siblings, ages 15 and 16
because her mother is unable to care for them. Crystal
makes sure that her brothers study hard and maintain their
status on the honor roll at school. This Christmas, your
gift of $200 will allow Crystal to buy all of the children
some warm winter clothes and coats.
Dan is forty years old and lives in DuPage
County in one of Catholic Charities’ transitional housing
units. He cares for three children. Dan has been drug-free
and sober for three years and is working full-time.
Unfortunately, his ex-wife continues to use drugs and so has
been granted full custody. Your gift of $150 will be used
to help Dan buy his kids some clothes this Christmas.
Tiffany is a single mother of two who left
her abusive husband nine months ago. She is a strong woman
who is working full-time despite constant challenges with
securing reliable and affordable childcare. The Christmas
your gift of $150 will be used to buy Tiffany a new vacuum
cleaner and her children some toys and clothes.
Roxanne is a determined young, single
mother. After she left her husband four months ago, she
quickly ran out of money and brought her children to Hope
House. Her youngest child has Downs Syndrome. Roxanne
worked hard to find a job and childcare and today is living
in an apartment in DuPage County, but times are still tough
financially. Your gift of $200 will be used to help this
dynamic mother of three purchase clothing for her children.
Bonita and her three-year-old son live like
so many – paycheck to paycheck. After she pays her rent,
buys food and pays utilities, there is nothing left. Bonita
lives a simple life with little furnishings or material
items. She focuses on the needs of her son. Today, your
holiday gift of $100 will be used to buy Bonita a curling
iron, something she’s always wanted. It will also be used
to buy shoes and clothing for her son.
Latea is three years old. She lives with her
mom and older brother in Joliet and she attends the Head
Start program. Her family has little money and she and her
brother are sharing a bed. This Christmas your gift of $200
will be used to buy Latea a bed of her own, including a Care
Bears blanket!
Tomas is a hard working family man whose
landscaping job is seasonal and slowing down. The winter
months are always the hardest for his family and he fears
that he will be unable to provide for all of their needs.
Your gift of $150 will ensure that Tomas can provide food
for his family during the holiday season.
Veronica is three years old and has had
multiple challenges in her short lifetime. She was born
premature after a severe car accident left her mother nearly
dead. She is currently enrolled in Catholic Charities Head
Start program where they also help address her
developmental delays. This Christmas, send sugarplums
dancing in Veronica’s head with a gift of $100 that will be
sued to buy her developmental toys.
Angel will be two years old right before
Christmas. She came into foster care due to neglect after
she ingested a toxic substance that almost took her little
life. She is currently in the loving care of a foster
family who hold her close. Your gift of $100 will be used to
buy some toys and clothing for Angel for her birthday and
Christmas.
Note: If the family you choose to sponsor
has already been chosen, we will use your donation to help
another deserving family at Catholic Charities.
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To sponsor an
individual or family
this Christmas,
simply choose the family and
click on the button
below:
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