Giving Fund: Donor pledges to match donations to local families in need
An anonymous local donor has made a generous gift to add to the coffers of the local Giving Fund campaign this holiday season.
The donor has pledged to match dollar-for-dollar every donation made to the Giving Fund, up to $30,000 through Christmas Day.
“We have a very generous community, and people really step up to help others during times of need,” said William Brucker, vice president of Greenwich-based Family Centers, in announcing the pledge.
The Greenwich Time and the Stamford Advocate are providing readers with the opportunity to help their neighbors in need by making a donation to the Giving Fund. This year is particularly tough because of the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Each case in the Giving Fund includes an estimated dollar amount that would help a local person or family tackle everyday challenges such as rent payments, child care costs and transportation during this difficult time. Every dollar donated to the Giving Fund goes directly to the people in the stories, which are published every Thursday and Sunday throughout the holiday season.
The Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time sponsor The Giving Fund in partnership with Family Centers and Person-to-Person, two area nonprofits.
The names have been changed to protect the participants’ privacy. Here are the stories of 10 neighbors in need:
Case #330: Pablo is a hard-working single father who recently arrived in the country with his young son, looking for a better future. Pablo found a seasonal job as a landscaper. However, one of his roommates tested positive for COVID-19 and he has to quarantine, cutting his chances to earn the money for next month’s rent. He is also concerned that he or son could get sick, and they don’t have insurance. Pablo would benefit tremendously from a $ 500 gift that would allow him to cover his rent and possible medical bills.
Case #331: Diana is a loving mother who arrived in the country a year ago to escape domestic violence. She was recently forced to move with her family into a relative’s studio apartment. Due to the sudden change and Diana’s low income, she hasn’t been able to afford a place of her own. A $ 500 gift would give Diana a down payment for an apartment and provide a safe, private environment for her family.
Case #332: After leaving an abusive marriage, Katherine is struggling to rebuild a life for herself and her young son during the pandemic. Maintaining basic necessities, such as housing and groceries, has been a challenge. A gift of $800 would allow Katherine to pay her share of two months of rent and focus on finding a better-paying job.
Case #333: Cindy is a single mom and grandmother who needs to work to support herself but is currently between jobs. Due to an underlying health condition, finding safe employment during the pandemic has been a challenge for her. A gift of $ 500 would allow Cindy to purchase two months of groceries and have a little left over for holiday gifts for her grandchildren.
Case #334: Maria is a loving mother of three little girls who struggle with asthma. She works selling products that she makes herself to contribute to the family’s income. Both she and her husband have tested positive for COVID-19. With no savings due to the previous lockdown, the family is concerned they won’t be able to pay their rent and/ or utility bills. A gift of $ 500 would allow Maria to cover some of these expenses and lessen the family’s financial distress.
Case #335: Laura is a loving mother of two, who gave birth to a baby boy two weeks ago. The family is spending their first winter in the United States this year. But due to their low income, they are not able to afford proper clothing for their children and themselves, as well as formula for the baby. A gift of $ 500 would allow Laura to dress her family for the coming winter and provide nutritious food for her children.
Case #336: Sophia is now a single mother of four children after her long-term partner died suddenly a few months ago, leaving the family devastated. In addition to grieving the loss of her partner, Sophia now faces the challenge of supporting her family on her own — both emotionally and financially. Although she is a hard worker, she has a low-paying job and every month she finds herself struggling to cover the most basic expenses such as electricity and heat. A gift of $ 500 will help Sophia toward paying her bills.
Case #337: Jasmine is a single mother of two young children who recently separated from an abusive spouse. With no extended family in the area, Jasmine juggles motherhood and two jobs. Finances are extremely tight. A gift of $ 500 would allow Jasmine to navigate the holiday seasons with some relief and joy.
Case #338: Mike is the father of five children. As a restaurant owner, he finds himself suffocated by the coronavirus timeline. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused irreparable harm to his business, and he now faces the challenge of providing for his family with a significantly reduced income. A gift of $ 500 would give Mike some relief, especially now during the holiday season.
Case #339: David is a single father of a young girl. With a low-paying job and reduced hours as consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has not been able to put enough food on the table in some months. A gift of $ 500 would help David navigate the holiday seasons with more economic freedom, allowing him to spend a joyful time with his daughter.