The Giving Fund

Every Thursday and Sunday through the end of the year, the Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time will publish short stories about local families and people in need of a helping hand. The names of those included have been changed to protect their privacy.

Each case will include an estimated dollar amount that would help them face everyday challenges like rent payments, child care costs and transportation. Every dollar donated to the Giving Fund goes directly to the clients in need.

The Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time sponsors The Giving Fund in partnership with Family Centers and Person-toPerson.

Case #350

Lily is a single mom who is in her 20s. She has been recovering from bone cancer and the side effects of her treatment. Lily will be completing a pain management surgery this week. Her dream is to finish college. But to complete college, she needs to pay back tuition and purchase a computer. Lily would greatly appreciate $800 to buy a computer for school.

Case #351

Kelly is a single mother of four who, along with her children, had to flee to a domestic violence shelter. She found a new job in the area and has started working. However, to work she must pay for day care for her two youngest children, who are not yet in school. She is struggling to make those payments and doesn’t want to lose her job. A grant of $717 would help Kelly pay for one week of day care. This would allow her to continue working until she receives Care4Kids. This new job will help Kelly and her children move into their new home and rebuild their lives.

Case #352

Morgan is a hardworking single man who is trying to make ends meet. He recently lost his job of 16 years. He has been moving from one couch to the next, and now he is renting a room in a boarding house. He landed a temporary job, which covers his current bills, but he is trying to catch up on past expenses. He borrowed $400 for food and essentials. Morgan would greatly appreciate $400 so he can pay back his debt.

Case #353

Nelly is a 42-year-old mother of five who recently gave birth to a baby girl. This is the first time she has taken more than two weeks off to be with her new child. She decided to stay home because she understands the importance of attachment. Her husband was recently laid off and can’t provide the funds to pay for rent. Nelly is behind on her rent and won’t be able to pay next month’s rent. A gift of $800 would help the family get off to a good start with the new baby.

Case #354

Amy is a single mother of five children. After losing her spouse and relocating back to Connecticut, she was able to secure a parttime job. She is still searching for additional work to support her family, and has to rely on help from her teenager’s after-school job to support the large family. They are catching up on past bills and struggling to meet their basic needs. A gift of $500 would help to buy winter clothing and other household necessities this holiday season.

To contribute, visit http://bit.ly/2jU5O1H and select from the case numbers above.