Help neighbors in need ‘live the lives they deserve’
The holiday season is a time of sharing, and The Giving Fund returns this year to support members of the community who need a helping hand.
Now in its 38th year, The Giving Fund helps to support clients at two local nonprofits, Greenwichbased Family Centers and Darien-based Person-toPerson, in their missions to support families throughout lower Fairfield County.
On Sundays and Thursdays throughout the holiday season, The Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, The Norwalk Hour and The Darien Times will print the stories of area residents who are finding it difficult to meet their basic daily needs.
The Giving Fund is unique in that it provides monetary gifts to individuals and families to meet basic needs — paying a utility bill, buying winter clothes or covering part of a rent payment, for example.
“This is an important way for members of the community to give right here in their backyard to help people in need and help them live the lives they deserve,” said William Brucker, chief advancement officer at Family Centers.
Last year’s drive raised a record-setting $113,000 in donations.
The stories
Each case in the Giving Fund includes an estimated dollar amount to help an individual or family tackle everyday challenges such as rent payments, child care costs or transportation.
The names in the stories have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.
Case 320: Nancy splits her time between her mother and father’s apartments. Neither parent is financially stable, and they are just getting by. In January, her mom is moving south to live with family, and Nancy will move in permanently with her dad. She needs a new bed to be comfortable — for months she has been staying on the couch. A gift of $400 for a new bed would be wonderful for Nancy.
Case 321: Harriet cares for her autistic brother while her mother works every day until 6 p.m. as a bus driver. The family struggles to make ends meet. Harriet, who is 16, wants a job of her own to make money and help out. But her little brother needs her to care for him every day after school. A gift of $500 toward rent would help this family enormously.
Case 322: Olive lived in Haiti with her grandmother until her mother, who left for the U.S. when Olive was a toddler, had the money to bring her here to live. Mom has since gotten happily married and has two young children to care for in addition to Olive. Mom is trying hard to care for her family and wants to give Olive everything she needs to make up for the years they were apart. Olive needs clothes for the winter and $300 would allow her to get a warm coat, boots and a scarf.
Case 323: Michelle has worked hard to excel in school: she knows that the only way she can go to college is on a scholarship. Every afternoon, she takes care of her baby sister and her young brother who is disabled, while trying to get her homework done. On weekends, she works busing tables at a local restaurant. Even with Michelle’s contributions, money is tight — especially after damage from a recent storm. A total of $400 for a bed to replace the one ruined by flooding would be helpful for Michelle.
Case 324: Betty and Diego are parents of three children. Their 4-year-old boy has a congenital neurological condition and needs treatment and therapy for developmental delays. Their two teenage daughters came from Central America six months ago after escaping an emotionally and physically abusive relative. Betty and Diego were not aware of the abuse, and they are now seeking care for their daughters. They are facing many additional expenses related to mental health, medical, and legal costs. Both are hard workers, but their income is not enough to meet all that the family needs. A gift of $500 would relieve the economic pressure.
Case 325: Martha is a young mother of two boys who both have medical issues. The 5-year-old boy was referred for a hearing and speech evaluation, and he also needs glasses. The mother is worried about her baby’s gross motor development. Martha is working at a cleaning service, but her earnings are not enough to afford all the expenses. A gift of $300 would allow her to pay for the glasses for the older boy, transportation to the medical services, and many other expenses related to her children’s situation.
Case 326: Sandra and Renato are the parents of 8-year-old and 2-monthold children. Eight years ago, Sandra survived liver cancer. While pregnant, she had gallbladder surgery and she also has diabetes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Renato lost his job and hasn’t been able to find secure employment. Currently, the economic conditions are very hard for the family. A $500 gift would help them to pay their rent, which is falling behind.
Case 327: Molly’s 3year-old daughter has been living at Yale New Haven Hospital for the last two months after major surgery and complications requiring more surgery. Complete recovery will mean a hospital stay of six months. Mom and dad take turns making regular visits. Dad has struggled to make ends meet as he takes time off from work to visit his daughter. Molly takes care of their infant daughter, which means she cannot return to work. They do not own a car and must take Uber to the hospital. They also eat at the hospital, spending money they do not have to spare, with the additional doctor and hospital costs. A donation of $800 would be a tremendous blessing for this lovely young family.
Case 328: Laura is a single mother of a special needs child and attends multiple therapy services with him. Laura hasn’t been able to find a job due to the level of attention her child needs, and the medical bills, medication and other costs, expenses are piling up. A gift of $500 would help Laura pay off some of these bills and continue to make progress with her child’s challenges.
Case 329: Martha, a single mom, survived a domestic violence situation that she and her child experienced for years. Martha found the courage to use her voice and left the perpetrator just a few weeks ago. She is starting her new life from ground zero, and Martha is struggling to make ends meet. A gift of $800 would help Martha pay for rent, food, utility bills and clothing for the winter.