Single mom with newborn faces grim holidays
Out of work, caring for a newborn with medical problems and suffering health problems of her own, Helena, a 33-year-old single mother of two, has had to rely on the kindness of strangers for assistance this holiday season.
“I have to even go to churches to get diapers, formula. I can’t afford anything,” said Helena, her voice trailing with sadness during a recent interview. “I have to get clothes for the baby donated through the church.”
The generosity of strangers has
Helena feeling immense gratitude, especially during the holiday season.
“It makes me feel blessed. I didn’t think there were people out there who would care and help like that,” Helena said.
Helena’s son, 8, is autistic, and her 4-month-old daughter was born premature with a heart condition that has required her to see a cardiologist. The seizures Helena suffers as a result of a medical condition have prevented her from returning to the job she once held in the emergency medical field.
“I am currently looking for a job but I haven’t found anything yet,” said Helena, of Schwenksville.
“I hope we can get back on our feet. I pray for that.” — Single mother of two
Helena does not receive child support and after her divorce she moved into her parents’ home. She is exploring with social service agencies the possibility of finding subsidized housing but that likely will not come to fruition before Christmas.
Realizing her financial problems will prevent her from fulfilling the Christmas wishes of her little boy has left Helena feeling depressed at times.
“I’ll be honest, it makes me depressed. I cry over it. I feel like I can’t provide for them,” Helena said candidly.
“It’s hard for him to understand, only because he thinks mom should always have money and it’s also hard for him to understand because he is autistic,” Helena said. “I’m honest with him since I feel that he is at that age. I do try to explain to him, ‘Mommy doesn’t have the money.’”
When she learned that she was eligible for The Mercury’s Operation Holiday program, Helena was overcome with emotion.
“I feel so blessed and when I get back on my feet I want to help others that were in the same situation that I am,” Helena said. “Thank you so much. I appreciate it so much. I’m about to cry. It’s been so difficult.”
Helena shared her story with The Mercury to inspire those who can to give to the children of our community at this most appropriate time, the holidays.
Now in its 28th year, Operation Holiday has provided a brighter holiday season to thousands of families with children. Last year, more than $42,000 in donations allowed the program to provide food and gifts for 147 families with 412 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 poor or 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.
Operation Holiday does not accept families who have not been referred by an agency in order to protect the integrity of the program.
Operation Holiday is funded solely by readers’ contributions. All contributions are tax deductible.