A New Year is a time to make resolutions. An easy resolution is to be a good neighbor and to share with those in need.
You can fulfill that resolution by making a donation to The Giving Fund.
Now in its 39th year, The Giving Fund tells the stories of local residents who need help to pay for their rent, utilities, child care or groceries.
One of the residents who is seeking help is Ingrid, a first-time mother who just went back to work. She and her spouse rely on day care to be able to work, but they are finding it difficult to pay tuition on top of their rent, groceries and utility bills. They have prioritized paying day-care tuition over some bills. A donation of a few hundred dollars would help Ingrid get caught up on her overdue bills.
The beneficiaries of the Giving Fund are clients at Greenwich-based Family Centers and Darien-based Person to Person, two nonprofit agencies that offer support to residents of lower Fairfield County.
The stories “are collected by staff members who understand the needs of their clients, and are 100 percent real people in these vignettes,” said William Brucker, chief advancement officer at Family Centers.
“These snapshots look into the family’s lives and the challenges they are facing,” Brucker said. The majority of cases involve families living on the edge of a financial crisis.
“The Giving Fund provides a financial boost to pay off the bill that is hanging over their heads or to repair a car that is keeping them from getting to work.” Brucker said.
The stories of the residents are published twice a week — every Thursday and Sunday — throughout the holiday season in The Stamford Advocate and Greenwich Time and weekly in the Darien Times.
There are no overhead costs; all donations go directly to help the clients.
How to donate
To make a donation, visit https://givingfund.isecuresites.com/product/GIVING-FUND/General-Giving-Fund?ID=2865.
Each case includes an estimated dollar amount to help an individual or family with a specific need in their life. The names have been changed to grant them privacy.
The Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time and the Darien Times sponsor The Giving Fund in partnership with Family Centers and Person-to-Person. All money donated goes directly to a family in need.
Here are today’s stories:
Case 400: Celeste is a mother of four girls whose husband works in a factory. Celeste spent three weeks in the hospital after a complicated surgery, causing her husband to miss many days of work as he supported her at the hospital and their kids at home. With his missed work, the family took a financial hit and fell behind on bills. They live humbly and are thankful Celeste is home and recovering. A donation of $500 would allow them to cover their past due bills and buy groceries.
Case 401: Lillian is a single mother of two who can count on only a few friends for help during a difficult time. Her partner was incarcerated when their son was 6 months old. Because of his immigration status, he may be deported. Lillian makes minimum wage and is not eligible for government assistance programs. She tries to make every penny count, especially with inflation. With a donation of $650, Lillian can cover her utility bills, food expenses and a portion of her rent.
Case 402: Lucy is a young single mother who has overcome a challenging year. Lucy was a victim of domestic violence but left with her baby. She became homeless for some time but joined programs to help her and her baby. Lucy found day care for her daughter, which allowed her to get a full-time job after two years of not working. Although things are looking up, Lucy is not yet on her feet. With a donation of $600, Lucy could cover her utility expenses and continue to pay for day care.
Case 403: Julia is a hardworking mother who juggles child care, work and online ESL classes. This year, she became a single mother and often feels overwhelmed with bills and expenses. Julia is hopeful that she can find a better job with her new language skills, allowing her to earn more. A donation of $450 would help Julia cover food expenses and utility bills.
Case 404: Ingrid is a first-time mother who just went back to work. She faces hardships in paying her rent, groceries and utility bills. She and her spouse rely on day care to allow them to work. But with the expense of day care, there are months that they fall behind. They have prioritized paying day-care tuition over some utility bills. A donation of $600 would help Ingrid pay her overdue utility bills.
Case 405: Yazmin is a first-time mother whose son was born prematurely. She attempted to go back to work but quickly realized she was feeling overwhelmed. Yazmin and her husband agreed to limit their spending to support her during her postpartum depression. Yazmin sought help and is now feeling like she will be ready to work in the next few months. A donation of $400 would help this family cover their utility bills and a portion of their rent.
Case 406: Mary is a mother of two. Her husband does flooring and some handyman side jobs. Mary is struggling to find a job that works with their daughter’s day-care schedule. Meanwhile, she is picking up opportunities to provide beauty services at her house. Mary and her husband are working hard but sometimes she has had to pay her rent in installments. With a donation of $500, Mary would be able to cover her utility bills, groceries and a portion of her rent.
Case 407: Sally is a mother of three who has been unable to work due to her health. Her husband works long hours at a car shop. Their two younger boys are outgrowing their clothing every season. Sally tries to connect with help but still finds herself struggling with groceries, clothing and bills. With a donation of $400, Sally could pay some bills, buy winter clothing and get groceries.
Case 408: Daisy is a mother of three boys: an infant, a toddler and a school-age boy. She is worried that the family’s expenses are growing faster than they had anticipated. Daisy cannot afford two day-care spots, which leaves her husband as the only one working and her at home with the children. With a donation of $450, Daisy would be able to cover her utility bills and groceries.
Case 409: Betty is a mother of two children under the age 2. She stays at home while her husband works. Betty and her husband would like to buy a new stroller, however Betty is worried that they are falling behind on bills. A donation of $400 would help Betty pay some bills, buy groceries and purchase a stroller.
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