Help At Christmas
A single mother of her own three children, Melissa couldn’t turn her back on a child in need. Her cousin gave birth to a baby two years ago, but couldn’t care for the child because of her drug addiction and mental illness. The baby girl, now a toddler, has been in Melissa’s care since she was born.
As her cousin continued the downward spiral into the world of addiction, Melissa has been in the process of adopting the little girl. She juggles work, school, and raising four children – but usually manages to make ends meet. This past holiday season proved to be a challenge, as the adoption fees were more than Melissa could handle. She had to postpone paying for school, and still didn’t have enough money left for Christmas gifts for the kids.
She turned to The Salvation Army last November for help with her heating bill. The caseworker recommended that she also apply for the Adopt-a-Family program for the Christmas season. Previously unaware of the program, Melissa couldn’t believe that a donor would buy gifts for her kids for Christmas.
She reluctantly submitted a list of needed items for the kids, and a few toys, to The Salvation Army. She was surprised and humbled when she received a call from The Salvation Army saying that a donor had filled her “wish list.” She picked up the packages in late December, and watched with delight when the kids opened the gifts on Christmas morning.
Today, the adoption of her cousin’s child is final and Melissa is back in school.