Day 11: Make lives better with soccer balls, gift cards | 2022 Christmas Connection – Tallahassee Democrat

The Tallahassee Democrat is partnering with Catholic Charities on the Christmas Connection to spotlight local families who need help this Christmas. Donations will be taken Nov. 27-Dec. 20. Here’s how you can help.
Donating:Day 10: Dreams of ride-ons, books, stuffed animals | 2022 Christmas Connection
More:Day 9: Family of 9 needs blankets and diapers | 2022 Christmas Connection
This single mother and her three children came to the US in hopes of a better life. The mother witnessed the struggles of her mother trying to make ends meet when she and her siblings would experience hunger and had to share clothes and shoes. She is a seasonal worker with a 9th grade education and limited English skills. The mother also provides hair care and cleaning services whenever opportunities are available. Prior to COVID she worked full-time but she was laid-off. She now works three jobs, trying to pay past bills and cover living expenses. Thankfully, her landlord works with her. The oldest daughter expressed her admiration for her mother’s hard work and dedication to their family. The daughter helps care for her siblings and would like to get a job but has not been able to find one.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Food, toiletries and cleaning supplies, blankets (1 twin, 2 queen, 1 king)
SUGGESTED GIFTS
Mother, age 39: Glassware, pots and pans, crock pot, mop for vinyl flooring, indoor grill
Daughter, age 4: Baby doll, Ride-Ons and helmet, learning toy, Loves Hello Kitty and unicorns
Daughter, age 9: Sports equipment (soccer ball), learning devices, teen jewelry and accessories, McDonalds gift card
Daughter, age 15: Sports equipment (soccer ball), teen jewelry and accessories, Walmart gift card
This single mother of seven is now employed after being out of work for several months due to the pandemic. She was in an accident where she was helping someone else and a light pole fell on her, hospitalizing her for several months. The mother had to learn how to walk again. One son is autistic who she cares for herself.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Food, toiletries and cleaning supplies, blankets (6 twin, 1 full)
SUGGESTED GIFTS
Mother, age 39: Pots and pans, towels, gift card
Daughter, age 16: Laptop, bath and beauty products, teen jewelry and accessories
Daughter, age 8: Black baby doll, nail polish
Son, age: 13: Marvel action figures, tablet
Son, age 12: Tablet, board games, PlayStation gift card
Son, age 4: Bike and helmet, remote control car or truck
Son, age 19: Tablet, Bluetooth speaker, socks/slippers
Son, age 21: Gift card
Donate in person: Drop off donated items at the Christmas Connection warehouse at 2990-2 Apalachee Parkway, next to the Supervisor of Elections office. The warehouse is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Days of operation are Nov. 27-Dec. 20. Deadline for donated items is Dec. 12. 
Wish List: Shop early and shop easy with the Christmas Connection Amazon wish list. You can view the wish list at the website TheChristmasConnection.org.
Donate online or by mail: Make a monetary donation online at TheChristmasConnection.org or send a check to Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316.
Adopt a family: Complete a brief request form on the website and a family in need will be assigned to you by the volunteer adoption coordinator. All families are referred to us from social service organizations in the Big Bend area.
Host a Christmas Connection collection drive or holiday party: Gather people from your office, school, church, sports team, family or friends and host a party or collection drive to benefit neighbors in need. You can sign up online on the website and then collect gift items, gift cards and/or monetary donations, which can be brought to the collection site during regular operating hours.
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