As we move into a New Year, many residents are still struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic — unable to pay for their basic needs such as rent, food and childcare.
But generous members of the community can make a difference by making a donation to the Giving Fund campaign this holiday season.
The Greenwich Time and the Stamford Advocate are providing readers with the opportunity to help their neighbors in need through the Giving Fund, in partnership with Family Centers and Person-to-Person, two area nonprofits.
Each case in the Giving Fund includes an estimated dollar amount that would help a local person or family tackle everyday costs. Every dollar donated to the Giving Fund goes directly to the people in the stories, which are published every Thursday and Sunday throughout the holiday season. This is a special New Year’s Day edition of the Giving Fund.
The names have been changed to protect the participants’ privacy. Here are the stories of 10 neighbors in need:
Case #407: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit heavy, Jane lost her part-time job. To keep herself safe and healthy, she remains indoors. Her family has been helping her with groceries and the rent, but they, too, have less income due to working fewer hours. A gift of $500 would help Jane so that she does not have to rely on her family financially.
Case #408: Letty is a senior who was supplementing her groceries with the Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes. She has been working with her family on her housing needs. But her family has since lost income because of the pandemic, and they are finding it harder to help. A gift of $500 would help Letty to be more independent with her finances.
Case #409: Joan is a vivacious senior citizen who has worked hard her entire life and is getting ready to ring in her 100th birthday. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, she has lost much of her support from family and local organizations, which has caused her to fall behind on her rent. Joan has struggled to find assistance because she does not qualify for many programs. A gift of $800 would bring Joan security and peace of mind.
Case #410: Juana and her husband are expecting twins this month. Juana has been unable to work because of her high-risk pregnancy. Also, she won’t be able to breastfeed the babies due to health conditions. The family will need to buy formula, which they will be hard-pressed to afford. Juana and her husband would be extremely grateful for a donation of $600 to relieve the stress of feeding their new babies.
Case #411: Mimi is about to become a single mother. After undergoing a major surgery during her pregnancy, Mimi was unable to work for a couple of weeks. She is a babysitter and cannot get unemployment benefits. Due to continuing health problems, she won’t be able to breastfeed her baby. A $400 donation would help Mimi buy formula and diapers so she can focus on improving her own health while assuring the well-being of her baby.
Case #412: Angie is the single mother of a 2-year-old boy. She takes her son to the many services he needs due to his speech and sensory delays. Angie is also taking care of her grandmother, who suffers from dementia. She moved in with her mother and grandmother at the beginning of the pandemic, but the apartment is too small so they are moving next month. A contribution of $500 would help Angie put together a security deposit for a new place.
Case #413: Rosy is a single mother to her 3-year-old son and also serves as parent-guardian to her nephew, both of whom are very active. Rosy would love to enroll the children in an activity such as swimming lessons. She started a business at the beginning of the pandemic making masks, but needs extra money for her children’s lessons. A donation of $500 would help pay for her son and nephew to learn this critical life skill.
Case #414: Glenda is the mom of a 2-year-old boy and works part time at a coffee shop. She graduated this past summer and is attending nursing school. Glenda is balancing school, work and parenting, and trying to do the best in all areas of her life. Her parents help with childcare on the weekends, which allows her to go to work. A donation of $500 would help her pay part of next semester’s tuition.
Case #415: Jenny is the mother of a 2-year-old boy and sometimes takes care of her nephew and a neighbor‘s child to earn additional income. Her goal is to save enough money to take courses to earn a credential that would allow her to open a home daycare center or work as a preschool assistant. Her husband is a house painter and is only able to work occasionally during the winter. A donation of $500 would help Jenny pay for the required course, benefiting her entire family’s future income stability.
Case #416: Jodie is an 18-year old single mother, parenting a 3-year-old son with no support from dad. She lives with her mother, however, she covers all expenses for herself and her child. Jodie works at a nail salon but because of the pandemic her hours have been reduced, affecting her income. A donation of $500 would greatly help Jodie to pay for groceries, diapers and clothing.
All the Giving Fund cases will also be listed online. To make a donation online, visit givingfund.isecuresites.com.