Share Your Christmas: Families new to Springfield could use help
No. 61: Money tight after move to Springfield
When the Massachusetts apartment building in which this family lived was sold, they had 30 days to find a new place to live. The rent in their city was rising, and the quality of instruction in the school system was declining. These factors, plus having family members living in Springfield, made the decision to relocate to Missouri easier. They used their savings for moving expenses and deposits on their new home. Money has evaporated quickly as Dad hunts for work. He currently has a part-time position at a nursing home but needs either a second job or full-time employment. Mom is unable to work because she is caring for her adult brother who has Down syndrome and needs constant supervision. Also, their 6-year-old daughter was born prematurely and has some health issues that require frequent medical appointments. The family was referred to Crosslines by a staff member at their church. This staff member mentioned how the adult brother especially enjoys the music during church services. As a Christmas gift for him, she suggested the large Lego Duplo blocks. If he can improve his hand coordination, he may eventually be able to attend the Springfield Workshop.
More:Here's who you can help when you Share Your Christmas this holiday season
Besides Lego blocks, the adult brother likes movies but would need DVDs suitable for children. The 6-year-old girl would like a bicycle, My Life doll and doll clothes. Warm sweatshirts would be welcomed by everyone in the family, as well as a winter coat for the daughter. Household needs mentioned are queen- and full-size sheets, an electric can opener, knives and cleaning supplies.
No. 62: Family of six new to Springfield
This family of six is also new to Springfield, moving here to be closer to family. Mom said they wanted the children to become acquainted with cousins, aunts and uncles. Dad is a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army until severe arthritis made it necessary for him to take a medical discharge. He is taking online classes in criminal justice and hopes his physical condition will permit him to eventually have a career in some area of law enforcement. In the meantime, he is seeking work and caring for their youngest children, boys ages 1 and 4. Mom has a job in a school cafeteria and is grateful to be employed, but the number of hours she is given at work is limited because of the school schedule. Mom began the family gift list with these words: “We have never had to ask for help before. We are thankful and blessed by any help our family receives.”
Mom’s job as a cook may have inspired the 8-year-old girl to request an Easy-Bake Oven for Christmas. She would also like a science experiment kit and books at the sixth-grade reading level. The 5- and 4-year-olds are active little boys who need a child-size basketball hoop and tee-ball set up. Paw Patrol, PJ Masks and anything superhero are other gift suggestions. The 1-year-old needs a booster seat high chair and would enjoy a firetruck with lights and sound. Besides clothing for the children, Mom said they need twin comforters for the children’s beds, lunch boxes and water bottles for the school-age children, silverware and a large casserole dish.
No. 63: Resident recalls life on the farm
Until health problems demanded the assistance of a care center staff, this 82-year-old woman has always lived in the country. She grew up on the family farm, married a farmer and continued to work on the farm as long as she was able. She said her family was fortunate to have a lovely, clear stream on their property where, as a child, she and her brothers and sisters could cool off on hot summer afternoons. The staff at the care center commented on how much she enjoys music and her beautiful blue eyes. She has asked for a blue sweat suit, perhaps to match her eyes. Other needs are for a cardigan sweater, pull-over shirt, pants, pajamas and underwear. Suggested treats are fun-size candy bars, ponytail holders and a word-search book.
No. 64: Man likes to look his best
This man is quite popular at the care center, “always socializing with the ladies,” according to the staff. He entertains them with stories about his travels and his career in real estate. He grew up on a farm and, whenever possible, spent his summer evenings playing baseball. He always likes to look his best and has asked for clothing, pre-shave and body spray as Christmas gifts.
Share Your Christmas
Share Your Christmas is the News-Leader’s and Crosslines’ annual campaign to give readers the opportunity to share their holiday spirit with others. This year, about three dozen families and more than 100 care center residents will have a brighter Christmas, thanks to Share Your Christmas donors.
Families and residential care center residents may be adopted by a single donor or by a group working together to help one of the larger families. Donors may adopt an entire family, one family member, donate a single gift or donate any amount of money. Every dollar helps. Readers who wish to donate gifts can call Share Your Christmas at 417-866-8008. Callers should refer to the story number they wish to help, and they will be given specific information such as clothing sizes.
Gifts must be delivered to the east side of the Crosslines building at 615 N. Glenstone Ave. The hours to deliver gifts are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14. The final day for gift delivery is Dec. 16. If you are unable to deliver donations at these times, call 417-866-8008 to make other arrangements.
To make a monetary donation, send a check payable to Crosslines, Share Your Christmas, and the story number if applicable in the memo line. If the needs of that family or care center resident have been met and you are willing to help others in the Crosslines holiday programs, please write “or as needed” in the memo line. Donations can be made at http://crosslinesholiday.org/give/or mailed to Share Your Christmas, 615 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield MO 65802. Monetary donations are welcome any time of year.