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-to-Person.

Case #365

Karen is a young married mother. While her husband works part-time and looks for more secure employment, she works full time to take care of her family. Karen also works overtime whenever it is offered. She has had to take on the care of other family members and her expenses have expanded. The responsibility to keep her family in their home falls on her. Currently, Karen owes a balance to the utility company that could put her and her family at risk of having their electricity and heat shut off. A grant of $500 would help Karen avoid termination of utilities and keep her family warm during the holiday season.

Case #366

Kim is a 63-year-old woman living with HIV who has conquered drugs and homelessness. Her home was not habitable, so she was told to move out of her apartment. Her bed was damaged in the move, but Kim cannot afford a new bed so she continues to sleep on it. A gift of $300 would help her buy a new mattress.

Case #367

Allie is a single mother of one who is attempting to find work after completing a vocational training course. She is at the point where she needs to take her final examination to qualify for state licensing, but she is not able to save the money for the test due to a lack of income. A gift of $300 would help cover her exam fees and send her on her way to sustainable employment.

Case #368

Tasha has worked diligently almost every day for the past 22 years, rarely taking a sick day or a vacation in completing her duties for her employing family. Her dedication has enabled her to provide for her own family, yet this has left her with no savings of her own to rely on. Due to declining health, Tasha needs several surgeries that will greatly impede her ability to work for an extended period of time. A gift of $500 would enable her to pay toward her first surgery and serve her well in her recovery period.

Case #369

Lori is a 68-year-old woman who has legal custody of her two grandchildren. Her main priority is to make sure her grandchildren’s needs are met so they can live happy and carefree lives like many other children. Lori has a part-time job as a porter and takes pride in her work. But she often struggles financially with just a part-time income. A gift of $500 would help alleviate some stress this season.

Case #370

Johnny, who was laid off from his job, has been working with various community agencies to secure employment to no avail. He has fallen behind on his rent and finds it increasingly difficult to keep up with his utilities and daily living expenses. Despite his current hardship, Johnny never misses a parent-teacher meeting and he participates in as many community functions as he possibly can with his children. A gift of $400 would be a huge help to pay back the overdue rent.

Case #371

Toni, a single-parent, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and often finds herself in paralyzing and excruciating pain that prohibits her from living a normal life. She is depressed that she spends a lot of her time in the hospital away from her children. Toni prays that she could be cured and return to being the hands-on active mom that she once was. A $500 gift would go a long way to help Toni pay her mounting medical bills.

Case #372

Kelly enjoys her job as a server in a cafeteria, where she gets great satisfaction from interacting with her customers. Kelly often takes on the needs, problems and concerns of other people, although she, too, is struggling with her own life issues. She is kindhearted and often volunteers her time at different local organizations. A $500 gift would help provide some relief this holiday season.

Case #373

Pete is a public housing resident whose income is based on a disability pension, which is not enough to support his family. Pete’s wife lost her job as a caretaker a few months ago and has not been able to find new employment. Recently, one of Pete’s twin daughters underwent major surgery, adding more stress to this already stretched family. A $500 gift would allow Pete to supplement his family’s lost income and pay down mounting medical bills.

Case #374

Noel is a devoted 66-yearold grandfather who has legal custody of two grandchildren. Noel has taken on sole responsibility for their care. This past year, the oldest of the two fell ill and had numerous visits to the doctor and specialists. Currently, Noel is struggling to pay his $10,000 deductible and is facing eviction from his apartment. A $500 gift would provide much-needed financial relief.