I know a single mother who is going through some very hard times, she is working hard in a low paying job and she picks up second jobs here and there when she can. Her daughter is 14 years old. They are living in an apartment without electricity, the apartment has electric heat and it is zoned commercial and the heating bill is very expensive. it is starting to get pretty cold at night. She has applied for heating assistance but is still waiting for a response. I helped her apply for toys for tots so her daughter will have a present under the tree this year.
What this woman really needs is a charity that will donate things to the family such as gas card, cell phone minutes, grocery gift cards, etc... basic things to help her get by for now.....My question; is there a Christmas charity that I can sign her up for that will surprise her with these type of items. I am looking for any help that I can give to her to make things a little bit easier -- things like having cell phone minutes can really make a difference.
Thanks for any information and resources that you can give me, she lives in the CT.
My Church always has a program at Christmas called "Adopt a Family" - the needy family fills out a wish list of items needed, and parishoners donate the specific gifts so they go directly to the family members. I'm pretty sure most Catholic Churches do this around the holidays, so you may want to check out the churches in your neighborhood. You are very good-hearted to want to help this mom and daughter.
Have you tried contacting the Salvation Army in your area? They can usually help if it isn't too late. Try a volunteer center as well as they sometimes help families.. Contact the General Federation of Woman's clubs in CT as they may have a group adopting a family or they can get the word out. I know we do that in NC. I am originally from CT, but have lost track of the services available there. A church may also be willing to adopt a family. Sometimes big companies will also .....makes some calls to maybe Verizon, IBM, United Tech, hospitals and ask for their Human Resources Dpts. They may be able to forward you to who might be doing something like that. At the hospitals, the Social Worker might have some ideas. Hope this helps. PS I just heard on our radio station that the local utility company has a fund or helps those who need funds for heating. Call CL&P and see what they can do. Also I heard there are some utility type companies that offer gift cards for payments. Maybe some groups or other friends/family/anyone could offer to give those as gifts to help.
Salvation Army does a lot out here including help with heat/utilities. Also here in MA from Nov-April the electric company cannot shut off your electricity if that is your heat source so even if she cannot pay it she needs to get it turned on. She can apply for foodstamps (snap) and safelink (free cell phone and minutes) right online.
Also check your local churches. Ours does the adopt a family and another one near by helps with 1 utility bill per a needy family a winter.
Check with your local St. Vincent de Paul. Also most Catholic Churches have out reach programs that are non-denominational.
Ask your church--or hers.
Contact her town's community center/Human resources. Our town has a program for the holiday season and it is called "Adopt a Family". Maybe she can get on the list. Good luck!
I'm in Mn, so I don't know any in CT, but try your local United Way or Salvation Army. They can help lead you to resources in your area.
What a blessing you are to this struggling family to try and get them some assistance! Good job!
