Faith helps single mom get through the holidays

As a single mom struggling to raise four kids and pay her bills, Monique said the Christmas season is always difficult, but her deep faith and the generosity of relatives and strangers have provided her with the greatest gifts of all.

“It’s real difficult and I’m trying to do my best,” said Monique, who is raising three girls and one boy, ages 5 to 13, on the salary she earns as a salesperson. “But I’m fine because I believe in God. I’m a believer. It’s a struggle that will pass.”

Monique, who receives no child support, said she doesn’t discuss her financial struggles with her children because she wants them to have a worry-free childhood, especially at Christmas.

“They’re not supposed to think about things like that. They’re just kids. I try to keep that from them,” said Monique, whose name has been changed to protect her family’s privacy.

Monique said living paycheck-to-paycheck prevents her from treating her children to an abundance of expensive gifts, but she won’t let financial difficulties prevent her from providing her children with a few surprises this holiday.

Her only Christmas wish is to see smiles and hear giggles of joy from her children on Christmas morning when they open the toys and clothes she has bought for them.

“I live for my children. Just to see them happy and see smiles on their faces — that’s all I expect,” Monique said.

Monique is also grateful for the assistance of friends and family whowatch her children while she works, and even more so by the generosity of perfect strangers, such as those who contribute every year to The Mercury’s Operation Holiday program.

“I do feel blessed. The kindness of strangers is just amazing,” said Monique, her voice quivering with emotion. “I have so much hope.”

Monique shared her story with The Mercury to inspire those who can to reach out to help their neighbors at this most appropriate time of year.

Now in its 27th year, Operation Holiday has provided a brighter holiday season to thousands of families with children. Last year, more than $50,000 in donations allowed the program to provide food and gifts for 144 families with 447 children in need.

The program was created and exists for children. The mission of Operation Holiday is to ensure that children of the Pottstown area have food to eat and gifts to open, no matter how difficult their family situation may be.

There is no overhead with Operation Holiday, and all funds stay in the Pottstown area. Families are referred by more than 20 local agencies and churches.

Funds are collected and audited in a non-profit foundation account managed by staff of The Mercury.

Food, which includes the fixings for a holiday dinner as well as staples for the pantry, is ordered, bought, packed and distributed by Mercury employees and Pottstown High School student government volunteers.

Gift cards for every child in the program 16 years of age or younger are purchased through Boscov’s and distributed in partnership with the referring agencies.

All families on the Operation Holiday list have been referred by a social service agency or church in the area.

Operation Holiday is funded solely by readers’ contributions. All contributions are tax deductible.

Contributions may be mailed or brought to the offices of The Mercury, Attn: Operation Holiday, 24 N. Hanover St., Pottstown, PA 19464. Make checks payable to Operation Holiday.