Bob, 44, is a single father with full custody of his three young sons. Unable to afford full-time childcare, Bob lost his job. Shortly thereafter, he also lost his home. Bob’s family entered a transitional housing program with Catholic Charities over the summer and he is working his way back to self-sufficiency. Bob was recently approved for a housing voucher and is currently looking for an apartment for his family. After this challenging year, Bob is hoping to have a bright Christmas in a new home. A gift of $250 will provide gifts for the boys, who have lost many of their personal items (including their favorite toys) due to frequent moves.  

Naya, 42, is a single mother with three children, ages 7, 4, and 2. Naya and her husband are separated due to domestic violence and ongoing abuse. This brave mother secured an order of protection and is embarking on the journey as a single parent. Naya’s car recently broke down, which was an expensive unexpected expense that she could not afford. Despite challenges, all three children are at school each day and ready to learn. In order to remain housed, Naya works two jobs. With this financial burden, a gift of $250 would provide Christmas presents for this hard-working family (Spiderman toys and Peppa Pig toys!)

Ben, 31, has experienced periods of homeless since 2010. Growing up, Ben was left to fend for himself due to his mother’s drug addiction. Earlier this year, Ben’s mother lost her battle with addiction. Ben lives in Catholic Charities’ Permanent Supportive Housing Program for chronically homeless men. He works closely with his case manager to achieve his goals. A gift of $150 will help Ben purchase household items for his apartment and/or help pay for car repairs (which are very important because he uses his car to deliver food for his job). 

Emily, 28, is a single mother with four-year-old and eleven-year-old daughters. Between work and caring for her family, Emily can feel overwhelmed with her schedule. However, she draws strength from her family and motivation from her dear daughters. Emily is hard-working, loving, and a wonderful parent. A gift of $200 would help her provide coats, hats, pajamas, shoes, toys, and educational items for her children this Christmas.

Shawn is an Army Veteran who was a sharp shooter and spent time as a military prison guard. He was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Shawn’s 18-year-old son graduated from high school this year and is working to support the household. A donation of $200 will provide winter clothing and boots for Shawn and his wonderful teenage son.  

Claudia, 26, first entered Daybreak Shelter in 2015. Due to a language barrier, this single mother of three children was experiencing difficulty accessing shelter services before coming to Catholic Charities. After seven years of instability, this family now lives in a safe home. However, Claudia was recently involved in a car accident that resulted in injuries that left her unable to work for three months. Catholic Charities was able to provide rental assistance, food, and household items to keep this family from losing their home. A gift of $250 will help Claudia’s family purchase warm winter outerwear, hygiene products, and toiletries.

Frank, 80, lives alone with his best companion, a small dog named Boots. When asked what he wanted for Christmas this year, the only thing Frank requested is dog food and treats for Boots. He lives on a very low income and cannot purchase anything beyond the bare minimum. Frank often worries about how he will feed Boots. In fact, he sometimes puts the dog’s needs before his own. Frank doesn’t have family support and rarely leaves his home. He is very grateful for the services Catholic Charities provides to him. A gift of $150 will purchase the pet food and treats for Boots… as well as hot cocoa, sugar (for his coffee), and warm clothing for Frank.  

DiDi, 39, has dealt with many challenges over the past two years, including homelessness. She escaped from an abusive environment and is working to rebuild her life. One of DiDi’s many goals is to be reunited with her children. Despite her difficult circumstances, DiDi is excited about the upcoming holiday season because she loves spending time with family and friends. A gift of $150 will be used to purchase jeans and warm boots for the winter months.  

Freida, Ansel, and their three children participate in Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing program in Will County. They are resilient and put forth an earnest effort to stabilize their housing and financial positions. The couple have each set goals which they are actively working toward, including securing permanent employment. Staying positive and optimistic during their challenges (child-care, unemployment, illnesses) can be intense. However, they realize that solutions for their journey are there and they are working toward a brighter future. A gift of $200 would provide warm clothing for Ansel, who works outdoors. Freida wishes for warm pajamas, sweaters, and house shoes. The children would love clothing, monster truck toys, drawing materials, and puzzles.  

Linda, 55, has struggled to maintain her mental and physical health throughout her life. She has PTSD and anxiety. Linda also has needed countless surgeries. On December 21, 2021, after many years of experiencing homelessness, Linda moved into a Catholic Charities housing program. Now that she has a place to live, Linda is able to focus on her health and wellness. She has a positive attitude and true zest for life! A gift of $150 would help Linda purchase a laptop.

Keith has struggled his entire adult life with substance abuse. He has never lived independently and has always stayed with family, friends, and significant others. This has been a year of growth for Keith as he worked toward sobriety in an intensive inpatient program as well as outpatient support and counseling. Today, Keith is staying at a Catholic Charities shelter as he rebuilds his life and works toward self-sufficiency. He always greets clients and staff with a big smile, and jumps into action to help with chores and anything that may need to be done around the shelter. A $150 will provide Keith with the Christmas he deserves after working so hard all year.

Tara is a 32-year-old single mother with four children who is experiencing homelessness. She has been sleeping on couches of friends and family, but has to move around frequently. Tara doesn’t receive any support for her children, two of whom have special needs. Her goal is to secure a safe, stable apartment to share with her children. Right now, Tara is saving her entire paycheck for a deposit on an apartment. With nothing left over for Christmas, she would use a gift of $250 to purchase gifts for the children. In fact, she stated that without this support, the family won’t have a Christmas.     

Andrea, 60, suddenly found herself caring for her 28-year-old daughter, and four young grandchildren earlier this year when her daughter left an abusive relationship. This stress on the household expenses brought Andrea to Catholic Charities seeking emergency food and clothing for the family. Although this was an unexpected and tragic set of circumstances, Andrea’s family remains close and relies on their faith during this time. A gift of $350 will provide winter clothing (coats, pajamas, socks, underwear), shoes, blankets, towels, hygiene items, and toys for this large household.

Mark lost everything due to substance use disorder and was living on the streets when he came to Daybreak Center seeking shelter. He was eager to improve his situation and willing to work hard. After completing a treatment program, Mark was able to move into an apartment through a Catholic Charities housing program. He now has a good job and is working toward self-sufficiency. With a healthier lifestyle, Mark’s children have been visiting him regularly, which inspires him to continue on this positive path! A gift of $150 will provide warm winter clothing for Mark to wear to his new job.

Flora, 36, is a single mother with two daughters ages nine and thirteen. After experiencing domestic violence, Flora and her children are now safe, but struggle financially. She works as an at-home babysitter, but hasn’t recovered from the impact COVID had on her income. With cold weather approaching, a gift of $200 would help provide winter clothing for this family. They also need help with food and would appreciate Uber/Lyft gift cards because the family doesn’t have a vehicle.

Victor, 31, arrived at Daybreak Shelter after losing his house to foreclosure and struggling with substance use disorder. This motivated individual was immediately ready to work on his sobriety and gain employment. He found a job (that he LOVES) quickly. Without a vehicle, Victor rides a bike to-and-from work each day, but is saving money and almost ready to purchase a car. He also has found an apartment that he can afford and will be moving from the shelter in November. Victor works very hard and is an absolutely wonderful person. A gift of $150 would help Victor purchase items for his new apartment. After experiencing homelessness, he doesn’t have anything for his new apartment and would like to purchase items to make it a home where he can be comfortable and happy.

Nita, 47, is a single mother of two children. Her four-year-old son was recently diagnosed with autism. Nita’s fourteen-year-old daughter has been the victim of bullying which was so severe that she transferred schools. Nita is only able to work parttime because she needs to be home for her young son, which creates major financial challenges. When she can, Nita likes to give back to Catholic Charities by volunteering. A gift of $200 will provide winter clothing, diapers (sizes 6 & 7), pull-ups (size 5T). Gas cards to help Nita with her commute to work would also be a great help to this family.

Craig, 54, is a U.S. military Veteran who served in the Army from 1984 to 1988. He has been sober and making positive life choices since January 2017 but his past is still impacting his ability to gain employment. However, Craig continues to work hard and maintains a good attitude. A few years ago, while experiencing homelessness, Craig was diagnosed with colon cancer, which he is still battling. This resilient veteran has a very limited support system and receiving a gift of $150 would mean a lot to him this Christmas. He would buy a warm winter coat and boots.   

Brenda and her son live in a Catholic Charities Transitional Housing unit in Kankakee County after experiencing several years of homelessness. After this challenging time, she feels like she is on the path to a more solid footing in her life. Her young son is in school now, and she has found gainful employment. Without a family/friend support system, Brenda struggles when her son gets sick and she needs to be at work. However, this resilient mother has found ways to make it work. A gift of $200 would provide gas cards for Brenda to commute to her job.

Kait has experienced painful tragedy in her life. She has lived through homelessness, the passing of a child, and the recent death of a close friend. Catholic Charities was able to provide housing and emotional support for Kait during this time. Through her grief, Kait has maintained employment and continued doing an excellent job raising her toddler. Everyone who knows Kait has found her strength and poise inspirational. A gift of $200 will help Kait purchase basic needs items like gas cards, groceries, and paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, etc.).

Megan and her two-year-old came to Catholic Charities’ Kankakee County Transitional Housing Program through Harbor House as she was escaping a domestic violence incident. Transitional Housing was a perfect fit for Megan’s needs (which were substantial), as she has the full potential to live on her own and be a productive person once she rebuilds after the cycle of abuse she lived with for years. She wants a better life for her daughter and to be free from abuse. Transitional Housing provides her with a safe, clean place to live and some of the small steps toward building a new life. Megan has a lot of work to do on the path to self-sufficiency, but her dreams are achievable and she’s on the right path! A gift of $200 will provide gas cards, groceries, and art supplies (she’s a working artist!) for Megan and her child.   

Eva, Manuel, and their ten-year-old daughter immigrated to the United States seeking asylum from Venezuela. They arrived with only backpacks after traveling by foot through seven countries to find freedom in the U.S. This delightful family is staying at Kathy Paulsen Hope House and are excited to explore their new environment (even eager to witness their first snowfall). A gift of $200 will provide items for this family, who left nearly all of their possessions behind when they fled their home country. They are in-need of winter clothing, toys, and books.

Crystal’s ten-month-old son was born with physical differences and extreme health challenges which require constant care and multiple surgeries. Her ten-year-old daughter has similar special needs and benefits from intensive treatment. At 26-years-old, Crystal is a young single mother trying to provide for her family while learning how to care for her children’s needs and medical issues. She is working hard to become licensed through DCFS to become a childcare provider which would allow Crystal to have her baby with her at all times. This family has experienced homelessness this year and are excited to have a home for the baby’s first Christmas! A gift of $200 will provide warm winter clothing and gas cards to help Crystal travel to her childrens’ medical specialists throughout the Chicagoland area.

Christina, 43, is a single mom who lives with mental health issues that make it difficult to secure a full-time job. She experienced complex trauma in her childhood and works hard with her Catholic Charities therapist to help resolve her issues. Christina and her 13-year-old son find joy in life by celebrating small successes and appreciating the support they get from people who have gone out of their way to help them. They are inspired by others who have been able to persevere through difficult times and try to help others in any way that they can. A $200 donation would purchase winter clothing, Legos, games, puzzles, and school supplies for this sweet family.

John, 36, is a U.S. military Veteran who served in the Army from 2006 to 2011. During this time, he served in Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn where he earned eight medals of honor for his service. Since his military separation, John has encountered hard times including heartbreak and trauma that resulted in mental health struggles. Fortunately, John is a survivor who is working hard to improve his mental health and strengthen his income in order to regain self-sufficiency. A gift of $150 will provide warm winter clothing and work gloves for this hero.

Melissa, 42, struggles financially as a single parent who receives no child support from the father of her six children (due to his mental health and legal issues). She has been the sole provider for the children for many years and, as costs go up, she is not able to afford many of the families’ basic needs. Unfortunately, Melissa’s family lives out of state and she doesn’t have a strong support system. The family is struggling with rent and are in danger of losing their home. Despite Melissa’s best efforts, they are often unable to pay their monthly bills on time and/or purchase things they need to live comfortably. A donation of $300 would provide winter clothing, board games, books, and school supplies for this close-knit family.

Lisa, 54, began raising her 15-year-old grandchild eight years ago when the child’s mother (Lisa’s daughter) passed away from AIDS. The household has a very low income, but Lisa does her best to provide the best life possible for her grandchild. With nothing left after paying rent and utilities, a donation of $200 would provide queen-sized sheets and comforters, winter clothing, underwear, and bras.

Lucia, 28, lives with her two daughters, ages seven and eleven. The mother is a survivor of domestic violence who has been helped by Catholic Charities’ Immigrant Support Program. The support Lucia received has made it possible for her to remain in the US legally. She works in customer service, but struggles to pay rent and meet her basic needs. For Christmas, your gift of $200 will help Lucia provide toys for her daughters.

Cheryl, 66, has many health issues and is mostly confined to her recliner. She has degenerative arthritis, bulging discs, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, pulmonary edema, neuropathy, bell’s palsy, sleep apnea, and gout. Cheryl receives visits from a Catholic Charities Senior Companion, which brings her great joy. The socialization is very important because she is homebound and went a long time without visitors. Cheryl has a very limited income and cannot afford anything beyond her bare minimum needs. Your gift of $150 will provide Cheryl with a coffee pot, towels, and bed linens.   

Faye, 26, is a single mother with disabilities raising her three lovely children without support from family. This young mother suffers with mental health and physical health issues that make employment impossible. This family currently has no income. A gift of $250 would help Faye provide necessities and Christmas gifts for her family, including: clothing, shoes, gas cards, bedding, bath towels, art supplies, and action figures.

Anne, 80, lives alone in a trailer home in rural Kankakee County. The trailer is in terrible condition, but she is unable to afford needed repairs and safety updates. Anne also struggles to pay her propane bills in the winter as the cost of propane is so high and her income is so limited. A decline in her health has resulted needing a wheelchair. While cooking from a seated position in her wheelchair recently, Anne lost grip of a hot pan and suffered second degree burns on her leg. Although Anne’s daughter provides care to her weekly, she cannot financially support her as her own income is also very limited. Despite her hardship, Anne remains positive and optimistic and continues to work with her doctors to ensure that she is doing all that she can to manage her health. A gift of $150 will provide food and clothing for Anne this Christmas.

Gina’s five-year-old son attends Catholic Charities Head Start. He is full of life, loves to come to school to learn, always has a smile on his face, and is eager to participate in all daily activities. Gina wants to learn as much as possible about parenting a child with autism after her son was recently diagnosed. This wonderful mother is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for her sweet son. A gift of $200 would help purchase Christmas gifts for Gina’s son. His wish list includes: bath toys, pop-it fidgets, Spiderman toys, dinosaur and shark toys, and transparent Legos (he likes to see the light shine through).

Bette, 89, lives with her daughter and grandson. She is very active at her church and in the community. Although she is no longer able to do her volunteer work, everyone remembers how she would generously cook for her church, take people shopping, help sick parishioners, chat, give advice, and help in any capacity she could. Bette was born and raised in a large Mississippi family. She was married for 62 years and retired after decades working for the phone company. This household was impacted heavily by COVID and has had a hard time catching up. A gift of $200 would provide much-needed items for this family, including a church coat for Bette, bedroom curtains, bathroom linens, bedding, warm clothing, and Christmas decorations.

Tamara, 42, is a single parent living with her teenage daughter. For several years, Tamara has battled breast cancer, but this year has been particularly difficult as she has undergone chemotherapy as well as having her kidney and breast removed. Catholic Charities has provided rental assistance to Tamara while she has been unable to work. This inspirational mother has a joyful spirit and never complains about her difficult situation. Tamara says that she tries to stay positive to help her daughter. A gift of $200 will provide a blanket, warm socks, and a cozy robe for Tamara as she recovers from surgery. This gift will also provide clothing and makeup for Tamara’s 16-year-old daughter for Christmas.    

Ed, 85, and Carol, 84, face overwhelming medical expenses. Between the cost of their insurance and medication, the majority of their income is spent on health expenses. This couple often go without basic needs items to avoid asking for help. They are kind, humble, and appreciate any assistance they receive. A gift of $200 would allow Ed and Carol to purchase food and personal care items.

Tameka, 27, receives counseling from Catholic Charities as she works through postpartum depression. She is a young, single mom and does not receive any support from the child’s father. Tameka is also coping with the changes in her life’s journey that were made when she became pregnant as a young adult. At that time, she stopped school to focus on providing an income. In therapy, Tameka is learning to focus on herself, her daughter, and their bright future plans. A gift of $200 will provide clothing, household items, toys, and gas cards (to help with the cost of gas on her long commute to work).   

Michael, 29 and Jessica, 33, have struggled with substance use disorder, mental health, a developmental disability, and homelessness for many years. Jessica always maintained reliable employment until health complications during her pregnancy last year made it impossible to work full time. The couple lives in a one-bedroom apartment with their one-year-old son and Michael’s father (who has also experienced homelessness recently). Catholic Charities provides rental support and case management as this family works toward stabilizing their situation. A $250 donation will provide educational toys for the baby, a rug, kitchen towels, and bath towels.  

Marianne and her three children have endured many hardships over the past ten years. This dedicated mother made the difficult decision to separate from her husband after his addictions created too much pain. She wanted to provide a home where her children weren’t exposed to the cycle of addiction. Since the divorce, the children have had difficulty adjusting to the new family dynamic. The financial and emotional stress have been hard on Marianne. She now sees a therapist with Catholic Charities to work on issues related to parenting, family structure, and stress. A gift of $250 will provide clothing and bathroom products for this family.

Valentina is a single mom who is experiencing homelessness with her four young children, including a newborn baby. They are temporarily staying with family. The father of the children is incarcerated and they believe that it will be a long time before he is able to rejoin the family. A gift of $250 will provide educational toys for the children. Valentina would also like suitcases to help them stay organized and move easier.

Imani, 24, is a devoted and hard-working single mom who recently gave birth to her third child. Without a family support system, life can be difficult. Imani’s four-year-old son was recently diagnosed with autism and a brain cyst. She is advocating on his behalf to find the right services and frequently drives quite far for his appointments. A gift of $250 would help Imani provide Christmas gifts for her young children – educational toys, fidget spinners, and a weighted blanket. Imani would also like to purchase a professional outfit to wear to job interviews.  

Veronica, 38, and Juan, 44, have four children ranging in age from eleven-months-old to 25-years-old. Veronica is taking college courses with the goal of increasing her income to better support the family. She also recently started her own small catering business using her amazing cooking talents! Juan works full-time, but the household income is still very limited. A gift of $250 will provide winter clothes and educational toys. The teenage daughter would also like a laptop for her schoolwork.

Leilani, 52, has experienced homelessness twice in the past six years. After a stay at Catholic Charities’ Kathy Paulsen Hope House, Leilani moved into an apartment and has been paying her own rent for three years. Recently, she was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this leaves Leilani unable to work and her absence is unpaid. Facing eviction, Leilani reached out to Catholic Charities for rental assistance, which we were able to provide. Leilani is suffering from some very uncomfortable side effects from her cancer treatment and your gift of $150 will help her purchase items to help her a bit – body lotion, her favorite foods, and ready-made meals.  

Magdalena is a 21-year-old mother of a two-year-old girl. When she became pregnant with her daughter, Magdalena was excited, but also scared. She didn’t have way to support herself and was the victim of domestic violence in her relationship. She escaped the relationship after a violent incident with the goal of protecting her unborn baby, but had nowhere to go and became homeless. Magdalena has worked hard to get stable housing, completed her GED, and is very close to earning her phlebotomy certificate! She is so excited for the future of her little family. Magdalena’s daughter has a blood disorder which results in steep medical expenses. This young mother would use a gift of $200 to purchase warm winter clothing for her daughter, educational toys, and some housewares.    

Sarah is a 26-year-old mother of four young children including a three-month-old baby girl. A lack of family support has created barriers to completing her education and working full time. Recently, this family lost their home and has stayed in various motels and with friends. After Sarah gave birth this fall, she was devastated to bring the baby back to a motel room without any gear/supplies. The father of the children is incarcerated, which leaves Sarah feeling completely alone on this difficult journey. A gift of $250 will provide items from this family’s wish list, like a heated blanket, Barbies, fidget toys, tummy time toys, and infant activity center.

Laura, 31, returned to the workforce last year when she and her husband divorced. With two young daughters and another child on the way, Laura’s finances are stretched. She’s working as many hours as possible save money for the extra expenses of a newborn.  A gift of $250 will help Laura purchase some of the items on her wish list: maternity clothing, blankets, pillows, baby clothes, car seat, crib, and warm clothing for the children.

Shantelle, 27, has had a really tough year. She loves her job as a school bus driver and works very hard. Last year, Shantelle was excited to learn that her 4-year-old son was going to become a big brother to a set of identical twin boys. At four months pregnant, she was forced to stop working to go on bedrest. This was stressful emotionally and financially. Shantelle learned that one of her twins no longer had a heartbeat, which was devastating news. In July, she gave birth to her angel and to a healthy miracle baby boy. As she celebrated the birth of one child, Shantelle experienced the terrible grief of saying goodbye to another. Funeral expenses also impacted her financial situation. After an extremely emotional year, a gift of $250 would provide Legos, coat, and boots for Shantelle’s four-year-old son. The baby needs tummy time toys and sleep sacks. And Shantelle would like warm boots and gloves to help when driving the school bus on cold winter days.

Jessica, 25, is a single mom of two young children who is experiencing homelessness after being the victim of domestic violence. The family is staying with a friend, but this is a temporary situation. Jessica is working to improve her future by attending community college with the goal of becoming a nurse. A gift of $200 will provide warm winter clothing and will help pay for the therapy needed to help Jessica’s four-year-old son work through anger issues.

Maribel, 29, is a single mother of five children. Four years ago, she escaped an abusive relationship and moved into a domestic violence shelter in DuPage County. From there, Maribel moved into Catholic Charities’ Permanent Supportive Housing Program with her family. She struggles with depression and anxiety, which sometimes impact her ability to meet the needs of herself and her children. However, Maribel has made great strides in her wellness. She is a full-time student pursuing an associate’s degree in Human Services. From there, she would like to continue to earn her bachelor’s degree in Human Services or Social Work. Maribel love spending time with her family and is excited for the upcoming holidays. A gift of $250 will provide clothing, a blender, children’s art kits, shoes, a white Christmas tree, and Uber/Lyft cards.  

Nicole, 26, was placed in foster care at an early age as a result of her mother’s substance abuse issues which resulted in neglect. This single mother of three is experiencing unemployment, difficulty securing childcare, and a lack of family support. Nicole suffers from mental health issues, which have contributed to some challenges. She is good at problem solving and is a very talented graphic artist. Nicole is a great mother who enjoys spending time with her children and the family dog. A gift of $250 will provide educational toys, dolls, cleaning supplies, bedding, towels, and gas cards.

Whitney, 32, is a single mother of a ten-year-old and an eight-year-old. She was raised by her grandparents because her mother was a teenager who wasn’t able to care for her. Throughout much of Whitney’s childhood, her mother was incarcerated. During the pandemic, Whitney lost her job as a bus driver when the schools were closed. Without an income, this family became homeless. Although life has been difficult, Whitney graduated from high school and has completed one year of college. She is currently back in school studying Early Childhood Education. This busy mother also works parttime and was recently promoted to a supervisory position. She participates in Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing Program where she is preparing for long-term self-sufficiency and success. A gift of $200 will provide new bedding, dishes, pillows, sports-related items for Whitney’s very active son, and Legos, Barbies, and paint for her daughter.

Margaret, 31, is a single mother raising her two young children on her own after their father’s unexpected passing. She sometimes feels overwhelmed with her day-to-day schedule, yet she always makes sure her children attend Head Start each day. The children are healthy, dressed in clean clothing, and given love and support. Margaret and her children are living with family, which has been a huge help emotionally. $200 would provide blankets, winter gear, pajamas, towels, and clothing for the children.

Usuf and Ameera and their two children are asylum seekers from Pakistan and currently live in DuPage County. Ameera works as a caregiver and her husband has a job at the airport. This year, Catholic Charities’ Immigrant Support Program helped this family with their Employment Authorization Documents. By providing them with this assistance, the family was able to remain working and housed. This year, they have struggled between paying attorney fees, rent, and meeting their basic needs. For Christmas, a donation of $250 would provide clothes, shoes, and arts and crafts for the kids.