Katrina and her children are homeless. They arrived in the Joliet area from another state hoping to stay with some relatives, but that arrangement did not work out. They are currently living at catholic Charities Daybreak Center. This is the first time the children have ever lived in shelter. This year your gift of $100 will be used to buy them some basic clothing and a small toy for Christmas.
Monica works a full-time job and is trying her hardest to keep a roof over her family’s head. She is a widow and raising four children on her own. When her car was repossessed last month she didn’t feel sorry for herself. She has learned to navigate the bus routes and her boss has allowed her to alter her schedule to accommodate the limited bus travel times. A gift of $250 would bring tears of joy to Monica’s eyes as this will allow her to buy her children some gifts for Christmas, and make them a wonderful holiday meal.
Tony and Tanya love their mother who spends her days attending a special school in the city in order to become a medical assistant. They are great helpers around the house because they know that their mommy is often tired at the end of her very long day. Tony and Tanya want their mom to have a special day off just for her where she can go out to dinner and a movie and then relax. Your gift of $100 this year will make their little hearts happy as they do something wonderful for their hard-working mom. (We’re going to make sure Tony and Tanya get something special too!)
Selma lost her full-time job last year and has not been able to find a job since then. In May she and her children were evicted and she currently resides in a Catholic Charities shelter. Selma is taking college courses and hopes this will improve her chances at getting a new and better job. Your gift of $200 will help Selma and her children celebrate the holidays with some new clothes and toys!
Tashi is a young woman who is expecting her first child in February. She did not plan to get pregnant, but she has chosen to have her baby and become a single parent. She has benefitted from many resources offered to her at Catholic Charities. This Christmas your gift of $100 will help Tashi prepare for the birth of her child and allow her to buy the necessary items for the baby’s care.
Margaret and her little boy live in the southern part of the diocese. While she was mourning the unexpected passing of her youngest child, she and her husband chose to separate. He has since moved out of state and is not paying child support. Despite these incredible challenges Margaret is a faith-filled woman and counts her blessings everyday. Your gift of $100 will help Margaret and her son celebrate Christmas this year with some needed winter clothing.
Tom and Rita have been married for six years. When Tom lost his job due to cutbacks at the construction company he worked at, the couple never realized how difficult it would be to find work. They soon lost their home. Today, Tom and Rita live with their two children in a Transitional Housing Unit operated by Catholic Charities. Rita is now working, but still not earning enough to pay all of their living expenses. Meanwhile, Tom has used some of his skills to help repair the home they are living in. Your gift of $200 this Christmas will allow these hard-working parents to buy some gifts for their children as well as bedding and some other household supplies.
Becky’s children are eight and nine years old. They are good students and polite young children. In addition to working full-time, Becky also cleans houses as a second job. She can’t make ends meet on the wages she earns with only one job. Sometimes the children go with her when she cleans because they know that if they help, she’ll be done faster and back home with them. Your gift of $100 this Christmas will help Becky plan a fun-filled day for her family in downtown Chicago during the holidays – something they’ve always wanted to do.
Stephanya has beaten the odds. As a single parent of two young children, she graduated from high school, is working part-time in a health-related job and attends college. Her goal is to land a job in the medical field. She is caring and compassionate and even cared for her two-year-old niece when her sister was very ill. Your gift of $150 will allow Stephanya to buy some clothes for the children and a new coat for herself.
Mary is a courageous woman and when she feared that her abusive husband would turn to her children, she left him behind. That was six months ago and while she and her children have benefitted from counseling, they still have many challenges ahead of them. Mary’s estranged and soon-to-be ex-husband has not paid child support. Your gift of $200 will help this brave family leave the pain behind and celebrate the season with joy and new toys!
Jose and Rena have four children. Jose has done a great job providing for his family but since he lost his job in the summer the family has struggled. Rena is attending classes to learn to speak English, and meanwhile Jose keeps looking for full-time employment, taking odd jobs whenever he can. Your gift of $200 will be used to buy food and basic necessities for this family.
Ramon and Maria met as teenagers and were wed at 20. Shortly after they married, Ramon’s father became ill and they had to move to Mexico to care for him. After he passed, they decided to move back to the United Stares to live the American Dream. For many years Ramon and Maria worked hard, saved their money and raised two beautiful children. In February, Ramon lost his job and the couple is struggling to pay their mortgage. Their savings is gone. Your gift of $200 will help this hard-working family survive the winter.
Chantal has two young children enrolled in Catholic Charities Head Start Program. She is currently looking for a job after having been laid off in June of this year. She is also planning to start classes at a local community college in January. Your gift of $100 will allow Chantal’s children to wake up on Christmas morning with presents under their tree, including new boots.
Maricella and her three children are surviving after having left Mexico during a family upheaval. She feared for her children’s lives and did everything she could to keep them safe. Today, Maricella is a woman of strong faith. She works as a waitress saving every dollar and tip she earns just to pay her rent and feed her children. Our staff calls her a pillar of strength. This Christmas, help Maricella and her children leave the turmoil behind and celebrate the birth of Jesus with a big meal and a few gifts under their tree.
Arianna takes the bus to and from each day and then runs to get to one of Catholic Charities Head Start sites to pick up her children after school. She is the type of mom who feels strongly about being home with her kids when they get out of school so she works unique hours to make that happen. Unfortunately, like so many working parents, Arianna only makes enough money to pay for rent and food. Little is left for household items or clothing. Your gift of $200 this Christmas will be used to buy clothes and items such as silverware for this family of three.
Lauren and Patti are typical little girls who dream of being princesses and living in a castle just like Cinderella. Their mom, Janelle, took the girls and left their abusive father last year. He is currently in jail. Despite the violence that these little girls witnessed, their active imaginations keep Janelle smiling. This Christmas, Janelle would like to buy the girls Disney princess costumes and dress-up clothes. Your gift of $100 can make that happen.
Tori has never known the great feeling of paying all of her bills and having something left over to spend on fun things for her family. She has worked at a temp agency for years and because she struggles with the English language sometimes, the jobs she is offered are limited. This Christmas, your gift of $200 will be used to help Tori pay her bills – and have a little something extra for family fun!
No one ever dreams that they will lose their house in foreclosure, but that’s what happened to Ed and his three little girls. Ed gained full custody of his daughters when his wife ended their marriage and left the state. Today he is still working full-time and his girls are living in a motel. Ed is working to secure housing through Catholic Charities. Your gift of $250 will be used to purchase basic supplies and clothing for the girls.
Jack is a 15-year-old boy who is homeless. He and his dad live in one of Catholic Charities homeless shelters and they count the days until Jack’s dad can get another job and they can move out into an apartment. Jack tries hard to be positive, but we know how challenging that can be when you’re only 15 and have no place to call home. Your gift of $150 will be used to buy Jack and his dad some new clothes.
Ann Marie was successfully employed at a well known and highly touted private school. When her full-time hours were cut she began to struggle to make ends meet, but when her salary was reduced she quickly fell behind in her rent and was eventually evicted. She and her children are living in one of Catholic Charities homeless shelters and Ann Marie is working on a plan to increase her income. Meanwhile, it seems that this family will be spending Christmas in a shelter. Your gift of $200 will be used to buy children’s clothing and a small toy for each one of them.
Kendra is a resourceful young lady. When she decided to go to college she knew that she could never afford to live on her own and support her two children, so she shares an apartment with her brother, works part-time and attends college full-time. The family lives on only the basics, and they have barely enough to get by. Your gift of $150 this Christmas will allow Kendra to buy the girls some winter clothes.
Alejandro and Christina are loving parents to three beautiful children, two of whom are enrolled in Catholic Charities Head Start program. Alejandro works two minimum wage paying jobs and Christina is home to care for the children and occasionally babysits for a neighbor who cannot afford to pay for childcare. This family can barely keep a roof overhead, but their faith keeps them strong. Your gift of $200 will help them buy household necessities and winter coats for the children.
Sarah is still grieving the loss of her husband who died suddenly last year. Every time she looks into the eyes of her four-year-old son, she thinks of him. Sarah has been working, but struggles to make ends meet. She also struggles with bouts of depression. Your gift of $100 will allow Sarah to buy some Christmas gifts and feel happy instead of sad.
Catherine is a full-time student, mother of two and living in a homeless shelter. When she lost her job last year she knew that the only way she would consistently be able to provide for her children would be to earn a degree. So that’s what she is doing. Your gift of $100 will help Catherine buy her children some Christmas presents and will also be used for gas to get to and from school.
Little Helsa is only four years old and never understands why her older brother, age 14, is always making fun of her as dresses up and acts like wild animals. Helsa loves the “creatures of the jungle” and also loves Dora the Explorer. This Christmas, Helsa’s mom would like to give her some animal toys and give her brother an inexpensive, used guitar. These are luxuries for this family, but you can make it happen with a gift of $200.
David, Carmen and their three children have always been a close family. When David works a second seasonal job, the children sometimes lend a helping hand and when Carmen babysits, her daughter always love to pitch in. Times have been tough for this family of five since David lost his full-time job. Your gift of $150 can help this family celebrate Christmas with a day filled with fun, food and games for the whole family.
Carolina already had her hands full with her own two children when her sister showed up unexpectedly on her doorstep asking for help and a place to stay. Carolina opened her arms and welcomed them into her home. Today, Carolina is struggling to feed six, pay her rent and stay on top of her other bills. Your gift of $250 will bring much joy to this large family as Carolina will use the fund to buy new clothing for everyone.
Danny divorced his wife two years ago after she was unable to recover from drug addiction. Shortly after, he was involved in a terrible accident and was unable to work. Consequently, Danny and his boys became homeless. Today they all live in an apartment as part of Catholic Charities Transitional Housing Program. Danny is currently working and walks four miles to work each day because he has no car. All that matters to him is that his kids are safe. Your gift of $150 will help this family with some basics and, if you’re feeling really generous, will get the boys a gaming system for Christmas.
Keith and Katherine thought they were done raising kids 15 years ago, but since their daughter has struggled with addiction, they have taken on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. Living on a fixed income and providing for two children still in diapers is a lot to deal with, but they just keep smiling and know the Lord will provide. Your gift of $150 will help Keith and Katherine buy diapers and clothing for their fast growing granddaughters!
Ranetta arrived in the Joliet area after leaving an abusive relationship. She has settled in with her mother until she can afford an apartment for her family. While she is working full-time, she is only earning minimum wage. She is saving every penny so she can also afford some beds and other furniture when she moves. Your Christmas gift of $250 will help Ranetta buy her children some clothing for winter.
Renado has always been a strong provider for his family, but when his hours at work recently were cut by 30% he became nervous. He wondered how he will provide for his wife and two little children, one of whom is still in diapers. Your gift of $150 will help this young family with basics like diapers, food and clothing.
Lovey is only two years old and is in the care of her great aunt Lucy. Lovey has some developmental disabilities because she was born drug-addicted. Aunt Lucy is taking great care of her, but is often challenged in meeting Lovey’s needs because of her limited income as a senior. Your gift of $100 will be used to purchase special adaptive toys for Lovely and some new clothes.
Ingrid and her children are survivors. They moved to the US from Africa tow years ago, but this summer, Ingrid’s husband went back to Africa and left the family homeless and without a source of income. Ingrid and the kids have moved into a friend’s home and Ingrid is cooking and selling meals to help pay the bills. Your gift of $250 will be used to help this family get clothing and basics for the winter.
Marion and her two children immigrated to the United States from an impoverished county. After the move, Marion married an American man who was physically, sexually and verbally abusive to her. He eventually left them and they became homeless. Today, Marion and her children live in a Transitional Housing apartment operated by Catholic Charities. Marion is now working, but money is tight. Your gift of $200 will help this courageous mother provide Christmas gifts for her children.
Colletta and her children moved to the US in 2007 after they fled Rwanda and its horrific civil war. Colletta witnessed some unimaginable acts of torture and violence and is still plagued with anxiety, nightmares and depression. Despite these challenges, she and her children are doing well and participate in Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing Program. This family has very little money as Colletta works a minimum wage paying job and barely makes enough to feed her family. Your gift this Christmas of $250 will be sued to purchase household items and clothing for this family.
Edward and LeeAnn are in their mid 70’s and thought they would be spending their twilight years enjoying each other’s company in their small home in the southern part of the Diocese. Unfortunately, no one ever predicted that their only son, a violent alcoholic, would move in with them, exploit them financially and leave them with no savings and insurmountable debt. Today, the couple is moving into a small apartment for low-income seniors. This Christmas your gift of $100 will provide them with food and basic necessities for the winter.
Isaac is a bright and curious little boy who spends his days in a Catholic Charities Head Start program. Both of his parents work full-time but only earn minimum wage, barely enough to pay the rent on their small apartment. This year, Isaac’s parents would like to buy him some new clothing and a battery operated toy dog since they are not allowed to have a pet in their apartment. Your gift of $100 will make that happen!
Ricky is five years old. His father passed away when he was only three years old. Despite this tragedy, Ricky remains a smart boy with a great sense of humor and a tremendous love for his older sister and mother. This Christmas he wants to do something kind for them and buy them what he calls “Christmas surprises”. His dream is to buy his mother special perfume and his sister a necklace. Your gift of $150 will not only make Ricky’s dream come true, but it will also be used to something just as special for Ricky, the little man of the house.
Renee and her daughter became homeless in 2006, but were accepted in Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing Program about a year later. While Renee has some learning disabilities and developmental challenges, she also was also charged with a felony crime along with her ex-husband several years ago which has made securing a job very difficult. She works closely with an employment counselor at Catholic Charities and hopes soon to be working. Meanwhile, both Renee and her daughter need winter coats, boots and other clothing. Your gift of $150 will help them get the items they need.
Adrian, 3, and Oliver, 5, along with their two other siblings currently live with their grandmother Salina. She is a kind and loving woman who does her best to provide for the children, but with her limited income it is nearly impossible to keep them in clothes and basic necessities. Salina would like to buy the children some presents this Christmas including new coats, a luxury they rarely can afford. Your gift of $250 will allow her to make these purchases and maybe get a little something for herself too.
Earlier this year Ann Marie discovered that she was pregnant. The father of her child has since left the area and does not plan on being involved in his child’s life. Ann Marie chose life and made the decision to parent her baby. Today she works with a case manager from Catholic Charities’ Maternity Services Program who helps her with budgeting, securing basic necessities and clothing. Your gift of $100 can help Ann Marie with basics like household cleaning supplies and toiletries that she cannot purchase with a LINK card.
Shaun is three years old and loves Dora the Explorer. She and her mom and older brother have endured many challenges and hardships in the past year, but it seems that the future will be brighter very soon as they prepare to move to a new apartment. Your gift of $150 can help this family get some basics such as cookware, towels, and sheets. I am sure mom will also use some of it to celebrate Christmas with a toy for her two children.
Karen and her daughters have survived an amazing ordeal and are happy to be alive. Karen’s husband beat her until she was close to death. Amazingly she survived and shortly after her discharge for the hospital, she and her children left town and their home of 12 years. Today this amazing woman is in college and supporting her two high school age girls. They live in a transitional housing apartment and consider every day they spend together to be a gift from God. Your gift of $250 this Christmas will pay for gas so Karen can get to and from school, as well as some household basics and winter clothing for the girls.
Sheree thought retirement would be quiet and peaceful but when her daughter found herself struggling with addiction to drugs and involvement in criminal activity, Sheree stepped in and assumed guardianship of her five grandchildren ages 3-14 years. While it has not been easy financially or emotionally, Sheree and the kids are doing well. Since this will be the children’s first Christmas with their grandmother catholic Charities staff since these kids should get a special visit from Santa. Your gift of $300 can make that happen!
Amanda and her husband Jake have two children. Recently their two-month-old daughter was hospitalized for an extended period of time and as a result, Amanda lost her job. The family is barely surviving on Jake’s income, but they pray every night that God will help them through this crisis. Your gift of $150 can provide some hope for this family and a chance to have a cheerful Christmas.
Takisha and her children are homeless and currently living at Daybreak Center in Joliet. Takisha was raised in a challenging and sometimes violent home and although she struggled as a young adult, she works incredibly hard now to provide for her family. Takisha worked a full-time job until the birth of her last child and now she finds it nearly impossible to afford child care and still support her family on her previous minimum wage paying job. As she works to improve her job skills so she can secure a better job, she dreams of a magical Christmas with clothes and toys for her kids. You can make her dreams come true with a gift of $200.
Maya and Marcee are close-knit sisters. They live with their mother in the Joliet area. The young girls are aware that their mother works two jobs in order to help make ends meet. When mom is working, they are usually with their grandmother. This Christmas the girls want to surprise their mother and grandmother with special gifts and Christmas cupcakes. We think the girls deserve a little something special too. Your gift of $200 can make that happen.
At the age of 20 Camryn hadn’t planned on having a baby, but knew God had a different plan for her. As a single mother her life hasn’t been easy. She struggles to make ends meet and is often exhausted at the end of the day when others her age are getting ready to go out on the town. Camryn is attending college and also working part-time. Your gift of $150 will help this family get some basics like clothing, towels and cleaning supplies.
Lisa is a single mother who is also raising her younger, thirteen-year-old brother. She is an amazing young woman who also recently cared for her mother who was dying from a terminal disease. Lisa is working a stressful job and attending a community college in order to make a better life for her family. Your gift of $150 will help her pay for gas, clothing and child care this Christmas.
Megan is 18 years old and pregnant. While many pressured her and her boyfriend to terminate the pregnancy, they both knew they couldn’t make that choice and have chosen to have the baby and become parents. Megan’s family has been supportive, but is not currently in the country to give her the encouragement she needs. Your gift of $200 will help this young couple prepare to welcome a new baby during the Christmas season.
