Many need a helping hand in this holiday season

The Stamford Advocate continues its Giving Fund series to help area residents in need during the holiday season.

As we move into the holiday season, 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 for many of our area residents because of the impact of the coronavirus crisis. The two newspapers are now sharing the stories of some of our neighbors who could use a helping hand.

The holidays are, after all, a time for giving.

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-toPerson, two area nonprofits.

Bill Brucker, vice president of Greenwich-based Family Centers, said that even in a community with great resources, there are many in Fairfield County who are down on their luck.

The Giving Fund helps to meet “basic necessities that many of us take for granted,” Brucker said. “This could be medication to stay healthy or could go toward a much-needed car repair.”

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

Case #320: Ms. BS was out of work for six months due to the pandemic, but started a temporary parttime job for 20 hours a week taking care an elder couple. But due to the risk of a second wave of COVID-19, she was asked not to come back to work. A gift of $500 would help provide her with financial stability.

Case #321: Ms. CT is in great need of financial assistance after the loss of income since the COVID-19 outbreak in April. Ms. CT’s husband is also unemployed. A gift of $500 would help CT purchase groceries and pay for rent during these uncertain times.

Case #322: Ms. SV is the mother of two children, ages 18 and 8. Ms. SV is a survivor of COVID-19 but remains worried about becoming contagious again. Her immigration status does not allow her to be eligible for government financial assistance, but she needs help paying bills after her illness. A gift of $500 would help with groceries and rent for this struggling family.

Case #323: Rosie is a single mother of three children — twin 3-year-olds and an elementary school age child. Their father lives outside of the country and does not provide any child support. Rosie is hardworking. but still struggles to cover her expenses each month. A gift of $500 would allow Rosie to make a payment toward her rent that is due.

Case #324: John, who lives with his 9-year-old son, arrived in this country two years ago. After his arrival, he worked every day until March, when his job situation changed due to COVID-19. John is now behind in his rent, and a gift of $500 would help him with his payment.

Case #325: Peter is a single father who lives in a room with his 7-year-old son. Due to high levels of stress, Peter became sick and was unable to work. Peter’s son has been missing school due to his father’s illness. Peter and his son would appreciate $500 to cover two months worth of groceries and pay their rent.

Case #326: Camilla is a senior in high school who arrived in this county a year ago. A hardworking and dedicated student, Camilla works every evening in a restaurant to cover her living expenses. She was recently diagnosed with heart disease and will need surgery soon. Due to COVID-19, she had to spend her small savings. Camilla would benefit from $500 to pay for her medication and rent expenses.

Case #327: Lucy is a single mother of four children and lives with her oldest daughter. Lucy provides the only financial support for her other children, who are still in her native country. Lucy and her oldest daughter were working as house and office cleaners but lost their job during the COVID outbreak. A gift of $500 would allow Lucy to make a payment toward their rent.

Case #328: Madeline is a hardworking high school student. She has worked since she was in ninth grade to help support her family’s living expenses. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Madeline and her parents lost their jobs in a supermarket. A gift of $500 would help

Madeline and her family pay their rent.

Case #329: Adriana is a hard-working mother of four who recently won a battle against cervical cancer. She continued working even while in treatment. But her shifts as a dishwasher at a restaurant have been reduced due to the pandemic. With many expenses and a small income, Adriana is concerned about feeding her children this holiday season. A gift of $500 would allow Adriana to buy two months worth of groceries.

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