Donate to a local family today
We will be accepting Adopt A Family donations through the end of the year.

While many local families in need receive gifts of clothing or toys from a parish giving tree, many still need help to meet more direct financial needs, such as food, prescription costs, rent and utilities. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

1. Mother of two small children was abandoned by her abusive husband. Her own illness has drained her of all available finances and the ability to care for her children. Her father, who was of some help, recently died and left her to fend for herself. Despite all this tragedy, she continues to struggle and sacrifice so that her children can have some level of normalcy in their lives.
   
   
2. A woman lost her husband recently and has struggled with poverty for years. She remains loyal to caring for her aging mother and two grandchildren, whose parents are deceased. She tries to work, but is seriously hampered by an on-going illness that makes a permanent job highly unlikely. She is a person of great faith and great ability to live with hope during her struggles.
   
   
3. A Vietnam veteran and victim of Agent Orange has been diagnosed unemployable because of his trauma. While having an operation, a mistake left him with a stroke and physically and emotionally debilitated. Today he tries to survive on a very small pension that keeps him in slum living conditions.
   
   
4. A woman has been trapped in the poverty of being abandoned by her husband many years ago with several children to raise. She brought her entire family into the church, asking her pastor to be godparent for the children. She has managed to keep close to her church, her senior center and her children. She is now helping to raise grandchildren and to give them the values she has lived.
   
   
5. Mother of three children has stage 3 ovarian cancer. Her husband has a landscape business and has no medical insurance. Their bills are piling up and they may be forced to sell their home just to pay the medical bills. She receives chemotherapy two times a week or more. She has been told she has six months to one year to live. The family is overwhelmed with grief.
   
   
6. Two boys, 3 and 5 years old, have been diagnosed with autism and demand all of their mother's time. She gave birth to her daughter just after her husband was deported. She chooses to stay in America as a permanent resident so that her boys may receive medical care and schooling not available in Albania. She loves her children very much and is struggling to put food on the table.
   
   
7. A single mother with four children between the ages of 2 and 9 is unemployed. She is unable to work due to two children having special needs and therefore cannot afford daycare.
   
   
8. Couple with two small children, ages 2 and 1 year, both lost their jobs a few months ago. They fell behind on their bills. Recently the wife found a job. They are afraid they may be evicted if the husband is unable to find work. They all need winter clothes and help to keep their utilities current. They truly are struggling and fear there may not be presents for the kids this Christmas.
   
   
9. This young couple is struggling. They have two children ages 3 and 4. Husband works part time at a fast-food restaurant which enables him to pay for their rent. Their gas has been shut off for a few months and they just had their water turned back on after a shut off. The church has helped with food but they need winter clothes and help with utility bills. Their will be no presents at Christmas without assistance.
   
   
10. Grandmother is living on a fixed income while raising her grandson and paying for his Catholic high school education.
    
    
11. Grandmother is raising her grandson and has very little income.
    
    
12. A single mother who currently earns minimum wage struggles to provide for her grandson who lives with her.
    
    
13. Mother was working full-time for the airlines but due to economic conditions is now working only part-time. She has two children; a first grader and a child in day care.
    
    
14. A single mother of two girls, ages 6 years and 4 months does not receive financial support from the father who is in jail. She works a low-paying job and barely makes it as her child care costs have risen.
    
    
15. A single mother of three young boys, one of whom is disabled, receives minimal assistance from DHS and medical help for her children. She worked part-time but had to quit as her son's medical needs and testing have increased. She is part of our religious education program and helps when available.
    
    
16. Couple has two children ages 8 and 5. The 5-year-old has severe asthma and was just diagnosed as a diabetic. Their doctor bills are high. Husband recently lost his job and his wife is pregnant and unable to work. They are in need of winter clothes and help with utility bills. There will be no Christmas without help. Husband needs your prayers that he will find a job soon.
    
    
17. Husband and father of three children, ages 5, 3 and 19 months, has lost his job and is now working only part time in a mobile home park where the family lives. They are in need of winter clothing. They recently needed help with an eviction notice, now they fear an electric shut-off. The church has helped with food and diapers. There will be no Christmas presents without help.
    
    
18. An engineer was laid off. His wife left him and his son. His unemployment has expired. He has lost his home and is presently living with his son in the basement of his sister's home. He receives Medicaid for his son. He is finding it very difficult to find employment. Anything you can do for him would be a blessing.
    
    
19. Husband and father of two boys ages 11 and 13 has been laid off from the auto industry. His unemployment compensation has been used up. His wife is currently working at a fast-food restaurant and he is looking for work. They are really struggling to just pay their rent.
    
    
20. Mother, separated from her husband, has lost her home. She and her three girls are living with relatives here and there. She is looking for a job and hopes to find a mobile home to live in.
    
    
21. Mother of three girls, ages 16, 13, and 12, worked at a grocery store for a number of years until they closed. She found a job but it is for a low wage. They are really struggling to make ends meet.
    
    
22. Single mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She currently has a job as a secretary but with minimum pay and benefits. She is able to pay her rent and provide for her family with the help of her family. Any funds given to her will help her stay out of debt and pay medical bills.
    
    
23. Grandmother, 68, is trying to care for three grandchildren, ages 5, 4, and 3. She struggles to feed and clothe the children on Social Security. The cost of her medicine, utility bills, taxes and child upkeep forces her to work part-time as a cleaning woman. In spite of all this, she keeps a neat and cozy home for these children.
    
    
24. Divorced mother of two daughters, ages 2 and 11, is experiencing difficulty in meeting rent and utilities monthly. Father of children is a known drug/alcohol user and is inconsistent with financial responsibilities and visitations. Each child has health problems (severe allergies and seizures).
    
    
25. Struggling family of five are long-time parishioners. While both parents work, they are frequently in need of food. We have given food from our pantry and recently assisted them with utilities. Funds would be appreciated and used for food or necessities.
    
    
26. A two-parent immigrant family struggles to cover expenses. They approach our food pantry weekly even though the father is employed. There are three children and the family is very involved in our parish.
    
    
27. Parents have two boys -- one is hearing impaired and the other has a serious medical condition. Their medical expenses are overwhelming. They are regular clients at our weekly food pantry.
    
    
28. Father has been injured while doing construction work but has found seasonal work. He and his wife have three boys ages 10, 8, and 5. The middle boy is autistic, deficient in speech, and hearing and sensory sensitive. They are weekly clients at our food pantry.
    
    
29. A devout Catholic family with nine children struggle to provide the basic necessities for the family; heat, lights, water and gas for their van. The clothes dryer needs to be replaced. The family is grateful for any assistance they may receive this Christmas.
    
    
30. The parents of seven children are struggling to provide food, pay utilities, and provide clothes for their children. The father works long hours at a minimum paying job. The mother works part time to help pay the bills and faithfully volunteers at church in lieu of a weekly donation.
    
    
31. Single grandmother is caring for her four small grandchildren, all younger than 9 years. In 2008 they were victims of a house fire, lost everything, and relocated to a new home. She is struggling to pay off an extremely high gas bill.
    
    
32. Married couple survives on Social Security disability income. They have two children, ages 3 and 7, and live with other family members. Husband is disabled with scoliosis and wife suffers from lupus. Donations would help family with many medical bills and afford a little something special for their children at Christmas.
    
    
33. Widow is caring for her 21-year-old autistic son and two grandchildren, ages 2 and 3 years old. She is struggling to pay bills from her minimal monthly income from Social Security. She is faced with an extremely high gas bill, a car repair bill, and with on-going medical bills. Donations would help this family purchase a much needed refrigerator and a few gifts for the children at Christmas.
    
    
34. Married couple is trying to reestablish their lives living solely on Social Security disability income. They recently paid off a large electric bill but have fallen behind on many other bills. Their 20-year-old daughter lives with them and is pregnant with her third child. Funds are needed to help this family get caught up on their finances and hopefully buy a few gifts for the children at Christmas.
    
    
35. Wonderful elderly man, whose father was killed by the communists in Albania, is proud and happy to be in America. He and his wife have become citizens this year. He has not been able to find steady work due to his health and age. They both live on his wife's small wages. Often they forego medicine and health care to pay their rent.
    
    
36. Wife has lost half of her relatives to immigration deportation and is left to care for a sick son and an ill husband. They are very poor and without a good support system.
    
    
37. Man is undocumented with four children; one child is mentally impaired with many problems in a special school. He works but is without insurance or a Social Security number. When he is fired it is very difficult to find another job. Family is having a hard time surviving during these poor economic times.
    
    
38. Man had a terrible accident nine months after moving to this area. He was in the hospital for three weeks without insurance. The amount he owes is high but he has been allowed to pay it back in minimum monthly payments. He is three months late in paying. He was fired because of his accident and is currently not working. He is alone.
    
    
39. Woman is from El Salvador. She was a teacher in her country. She married in El Salvador to an ex-seminarian. They came to the USA looking for the American dream. After one difficult year her husband abandoned her. She attempted suicide twice. The parish helped her by paying for her therapy. She is now depressed and having a difficult time affording her daily life.
    
    
40. Man moved here from Nicaragua four years ago. He works occasionally in the farms for less than minimum pay, and is unable to find another job. He lives in the trailers on the farm with two more families who are almost in the same situation. He has two children and a wife. Sometimes it is too difficult to pay for his expenses for food and clothing. They come often to the parish for food.
    
    
41. Divorced single mother with one son, age 12, works two jobs to try and make ends meet. Their house is in foreclosure and they will soon be evicted. They do not know where they will live. They are also in need of grocery assistance.
    
    
42. This is a family of seven with a baby on the way. Mother is employed; the father is temporarily laid-off. They are having a very difficult time making ends meet and keeping food on the table. They have moved several times to keep the cost of rent down, and still are having difficulty paying rent.
    
    
43. A single employed mother and her teenage daughter are in need of assistance with utility bills and food. Mother has medical issues that occasionally keep her out of work.
    
    
44. The parents of this family of four are employed at low-paying jobs. Both high school and adult children have medical issues and limited mental capabilities.
    
    
45. Single mother with three boys is in great financial need. The father moved out of the state and is non-supportive. The children are in desperate need of dental work, but are unable to afford it.
    
    
46. Father of two young boys recently had surgery for cancer and is now receiving radiation. He had to take short-term disability leave and now the family is behind in rent and other bills. This family needs financial help to keep them in their home during their father's illness.
    
    
47. Husband, and father of five children, has been unable to find full-time employment for several years. He has been working part-time on and off. The mother is trying to make money house cleaning. They have received help from the food pantry several times.
    
    
48. Family of eight, with a new baby on the way, recently became full members of the Catholic Church. The mother stays home with the children and home schools them. This family could definitely use any extra money to help cover current and upcoming bills.
    
    
49. Single, 61-year-old woman, is unable to work because she has cancer and other medical problems. She is foregoing needed treatments because she is the sole caregiver for her son who has medical problems. She has been waiting for Social Security disability for three years.
    
    
50. Mother receives Social Security income due to a heart condition. She wants to work but can't get a doctor's release. She and her three children live in low-income housing without insulation in the home. She is behind in her bills and the gas is shut off due to owing $2,000. They have a food debit card from DHS.
    
    
51. Divorced mom with two children receives little or no funds from her ex-husband. Her 11-year-old is autistic and 12-year-old is a slow learner. She is employed at a department store but now her 86-year-old mother cannot continue to baby sit for her due to her health. The parish is helping her with bills and she now needs major car repairs.
    
    
52. Grandmother, with guardianship of six grandchildren, is struggling with their household finances. She works part-time after her hours were cut at a nursing home. She needs help with utility bills, back rent and hopefully a few Christmas presents for the kids.
    
    
53. Pregnant mother of two (due at the end of the year) received an eviction notice due to being off work for medical reasons associated with pregnancy. She needs help with back rent, baby items and hopefully some Christmas presents for two children
    
    
54. Woman's 19-year-old son just moved back home with his new wife and baby. She has been out of work for 6 months due to the company downsizing. She has been interviewing and is hopeful that she will get a job soon. She is currently behind in her utility bills.
    
    
55. Husband and wife, with two small children, have both lost their jobs in the last two months. They are behind on their bills and have applied for assistance from the state until they can secure new employment.
    
    
56. Man moved to our parish community because of foreclosure on his home. He is an Army veteran who served our country and received an honorable discharge. He is unable to work because of a debilitating arthritic condition and lives on a fixed income. He and his wife are parents of three daughters.
    
    
57. Young man's mother died of cancer two years ago and was buried through our parish. The family home was sold to pay for her medical expenses. After a brush with the law, he was remanded to boot camp. While there, he completed his GED and has learned life lessons. He is committed to starting over with a new attitude toward life.
    
    
58. Family of five. Mom and dad were in a car accident. Dad sustained a closed head injury and is unable to work. Mom has back and neck injuries and is undergoing surgeries. They have three daughters in high school and are in danger of losing their home.
    
    
59. Elderly couple in their late 80s, are unable to make ends meet during these challenging times. They need help obtaining fuel oil for heat and money for food.
    
    
60. Woman is employed by the parish because she needs the work. She is very dedicated. She supports her son who is out of work.
    
    
61. A widow, who lives with her invalid sister, tries to keep up with food staples. Our parish helps her with food at the end of each month. Both are long-time parishioners who support the church each week from their limited resources.
    
    
62. A mother of two school-age boys works two jobs. Her husband is presently unemployed and searching for work. The family is experiencing hard times and needs help.
    
    
63. Single mother of two children works 12 hours each day to support her family and to give her children a Catholic education. With what little time she has, she is active as a volunteer.
    
    
64. Life is a daily struggle for a young mother of a 10-year-old. She has lost her job, received an eviction notice, and had her car stolen. She desperately wants to give her child a secure life and faithfully seeks employment.
    
    
65. Single mother of three teenage children, two of whom are disabled, is barely managing to support her family working two part-time jobs. She is in need of basic necessities such as food, clothing and utility bills.
    
    
66. Wife was laid off and husband works only sporadically when he is called back by his employer. They have three children, including a 3-month-old. Furnace is in need of replacement.
    
    
67. Man suffered a closed head, back and neck injuries and receives worker's compensation. He is in a hospital bed and is unable to assist the family. His wife has been unemployed since her organization closed. They are struggling to feed their three children ages 4, 5 and 11.
    
    
68. Woman was the caregiver for her terminally ill aunt who recently died. In addition to being a single mother of two children she is now guardian to her teenage nephew. She is on disability and unable to work. She has been struggling for years and is in danger of losing her home.
    
    
69. Husband and wife with seven children younger than the age of 14, were homeless when they came to our parish two years ago. They are now living in low-income housing but are unable to find steady work. They are struggling to provide food and pay utility bills.
    
    
70. Husband was diagnosed with brain cancer a few years ago and has now been recommended for hospice care. They have three children younger than the age of 9. They lost their health insurance and the family is struggling to make ends meet. His wife worked but recently had to quit due to her husband going into hospice.
    
    
71. Single mother of three is desperately seeking employment. She is working odd jobs – whatever she can do to make money. She brings the children to Mass every weekend and to religious education weekly. She would deeply appreciate anything.
    
    
72. Single mother taking care of a teenage son. Mom cannot work because of medical condition. Mom tries her best always, and loves her son. She has difficulty paying monthly bills. They faithfully attend Sunday Mass and contribute every week.
    
    
73. Man fell from a roof this past summer and broke both his legs. He has three children. He is not able to return to work. Their only source of income is from DHS and from his fiancé. The family has had a difficult time paying their bills.
    
    
74. A 20-year-old mother with a 2-year-old son works part-time and attends school part-time. She recently took custody of her two brothers younger than the age of 16 after they were abandoned by their mother. Financial assistance from DHS just started but she is having a difficult time catching up on her bills.
    
    
75. Elderly lady was the matriarch of a large family. She is now bed bound with a serious illness and relies on help from her 69-year-old daughter. Her other two daughters (one disabled), and her three grandchildren live with her as well. They need help with food and basic necessities.
    
    
76. Mother and teenage daughter are trying to claw their way out of poverty. The daughter was working while going through counseling to deal with growing up in a violent, substance abuse situation. The family recently lost everything in a fire, was homeless for several months, and now needs to start over.
    
    
77. Single mother has very little income and is struggling to pay utilities. She has four children, one of whom has special needs. Though her needs are great, she will appreciate any help.
    
    
78. Single parent father of two teenage boys had managed to carve out a nurturing existence for the family. A serious injury disabled him for months this past summer. Without income he lost his house, car and virtually everything. His job was kept open and he is now rebuilding their lives.
    
    
79. Senior woman needs help paying utility bills this winter. She is a widow who lives in her own home which is in need of repair. Any gift will help relieve her constant anxiety.
    
    
80. Single mom with two children. She is not working because she is awaiting surgery. She has lost her home and is trying to re-establish herself. She suffers and tries to deal with anxiety attacks and depression the best she can. She needs financial assistance to help with her monthly bills.
    
    
81. Woman lives with her two daughters and five grandchildren younger than the age of 5. She has recently returned to work to help with house payments, food, car repair, etc. The money is not enough to pay for the necessary bills, and a little extra at this time of year would be so helpful.
    
    
82. Mother has been taking care of her disabled daughter for 40 years. Despite her hardships, medical bills, etc., she volunteers and is always helping people in need. She has a kind heart and never wants for herself, always thinking of others. It would be nice if someone would do something special for her.
    
    
83. A married couple, with six children younger than the age of 10 is having difficulty providing the basic needs for the family. The father was recently laid off from his job. The mother lost one of her part-time jobs and her present employment only covers the rent and utilities.

Donate today to adopt a family for Christmas 2008
All funds are distributed through the sponsor, not directly from the Archdiocese. Call (313) 237-4696 or email adoptafamily@aod.org for more information.