Single mom calls Mary Lee Tucker program a ‘godsend’

At this special time of year, people are expected to be happy and filled with holiday cheer, thinking of what gifts they may get or give.

Unfortunately, when you’re out of a job and you have four young mouths to feed and four young bodies to keep safe and warm this winter, Christmas presents are the furthest thing from your mind.

When you try to be happy, you only get more depressed.

“We’re trying to make it as a family,” said Betty, a single mother of four. “You’ve got to keep struggling. With no job, no money, it’s hard.”

She has one boy and three girls; Billy, 9, Pamela, 6, and Margaret, 5, who attend area schools. The newest family member, Amy, arrived just two months ago.

“I had a job in Cleveland, in shipping and distribution at a warehouse. I got laid off this summer. I moved my family to Lorain to be with my relatives,” Betty said.

It was through word of mouth that she learned of the Morning Journal’s Mary Lee Tucker Clothe-A-Child program that relies on volunteer shoppers who use donations of money contributed from our readers to purchase warm winter apparel for the needy school-aged children in the area.

All administrative costs are paid for by The Morning Journal.

Betty said her children need coats, hats, gloves and boots.

As for what kind of Christ- mas her children will experience this year, Betty said, “We’re trying to make it a good one. My mom and my family are buying presents for the kids. I’m struggling to keep our family together and happy.”

“The Mary Lee Tucker program is such a big help,” Betty said. “It’s been a godsend.”

To volunteer your group of shoppers, call the Clothe-aChild office at 440-245-6901, ext. 577. Leave a message with contact information.