Help make a difference during these tough times by donating

Times are tough due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving some residents unable to pay for their basic necessities.

But generous members of the community can make a difference by making a donation to the Giving Fund campaign this holiday season.

The Greenwich Time and the Stamford Advocate are providing readers with the opportunity to help their neighbors in need through the Giving Fund.

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, child care and transportation. 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-toPerson, two area nonprofits.

An anonymous local donor has made a pledge to match dollar-for-dollar every donation made to the Giving Fund, up to $30,000 through Christmas Day, making your donation worth that much more.

The names have been changed to protect the participants’ privacy. Here are the stories of 10 neighbors in need:

Case #350: Mary is a widowed mother of three children. Every year during the holidays, she has to deal not only with the absence of her husband, but her inability to afford a few presents for her kids. A gift of $500 would let Mary make her dream come true: enjoying a Christmas tree with presents under it.

Case #351: Elena is a single mother of four. She works as a caregiver in an assisted living facility, but due to her diabetic condition she is currently unable to work full time. Elena has a strong bond with her uncle, who lives in Haiti and acted like a father for her. He is now sick and wants Elena to visit. A gift of $500 would help Elena travel to Haiti to see her uncle before he dies.

Case #352: Lynn is the mother of three young children and a student. She is committed to finishing high school at NCC and dreams of choosing a profession and going to college. Before COVID, she worked nights cleaning restaurants. Now she was unemployed due to the pandemic and had to spend all her savings for her family to survive. A gift of $500 would help Lynn continue with her education.

Case #353: Yolanda is the mother of three children who is struggling because of her eldest son’s mental health problems. The coronavirus is worsening her anxiety, and she feels depressed and unable to help her younger children with digital learning. Yolanda was referred for clinical services but cannot afford the treatment because she has no medical insurance. A gift of $500 would help Yolanda pay for therapy.

Case #354: Caroline is a single mom of two boys and is a domestic violence survivor. Although her family is resilient, she is distressed about her older son who struggles with anger management. Caroline works as a preschool teacher and is completing college online. A gift of $500 would help Caroline catch up with her bills and continue with her education.

Case #355: Camilla is a hardworking mother of two young girls who is having a hard time supporting her family due to the pandemic. The restaurant where she used to work preparing desserts has closed, leaving her with no work or pay. To apply for a new job, Camilla needs to get her driver’s license. A gift of $500 would help Camilla pay for driving lessons and fees for her license.

Case #356: Diane is a mother of twin girls who works two jobs to make ends meet. But due to COVID, her working hours and income have been significantly reduced. She has struggled to provide the basics, and now the family’s dog needs surgery. A gift of $500 would help this family pay for the medical expenses of their beloved pet.

Case #357: After her husband was unable to work after a car accident, Amy became the only income provider for their family. She then was in a car accident, but Amy had to work and did not take the time off to recover. She now needs physical therapy, which is not covered by insurance. A gift of $500 would help Amy receive the services she so desperately needs.

Case #358: Jessica is a single mother of two children. Due to her limited income, they all live with her sister in a small apartment, causing daily chaos and increasing tension. Jessica has been saving money for two years to rent an apartment. A gift of $500 would help toward a security deposit, allowing her to have space and independence with her children.

Case #359: Charlie is 71 years old and has been diagnosed with a chronic mental illness. He struggles to live on a low income from Social Security benefits. His 12-year-old car needs repairs, but he cannot afford them. A gift of $798 would cover the cost of much-needed repairs on his car and keep him connected to the outside world.

All the Giving Fund cases will be listed online. To make a donation online, visit givingfund.isecuresites.com.