All contributions go directly to the people who need your help. The sponsors of Share Your Christmas -- the Durham County Department of Social Services, Volunteer Center of Durham and The Herald-Sun -- donate the administrative costs of this program.
To make a financial contribution please make your check out to the Share Your Christmas Program and mail to PO Box 3374 Durham, NC 27702.
Case 50: This 36-year-old mother of four has fallen upon very difficult times recently. After an extended period of homelessness, they have finally obtained housing at the Genesis House. Two of the children are in foster care, but the 2-year-old boy and the 7-month-old girl remain with their mother. This family needs a new beginning. Mom is working hard, following though with all the services that will reunite the family under one roof. Help bring some holiday magic to this family with some clothes, toys, blankets and linens.
Case 55: Having devoted her adult life to helping others, this 74-year-old woman is now debilitated due to health problems. She says "I can still use my voice," and spends time on the phone daily trying to find assistance for others. She raised her own kids, then her grandchildren, but now she lives alone. Always compassionate and helpful to others, she would really appreciate a Share Your Christmas sponsor to make her holidays bright.
Case 56: This 74-year-old woman lives alone in an apartment after many years of living in her own home and providing refuge for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives when they needed a place to stay. She was an emergency room nurse for many years, so helping others is second nature. Due to an automobile accident years ago, she is now disabled. She recalls wistfully all the special holiday activities from when all the family was together. She is not asking for much: a lap throw and some cotton nightgowns. Please help by sharing your Christmas with her.
Case 58: This 75-year-old lady has recently suffered some serious health issues, but she is getting better and is very thankful for this. She loves all the holidays, and in the senior apartment building where she lives, she always actively participates in all the activities. She lives on a very small income and only asks for help when all else fails. She is friendly, outgoing, and is always looking for someone to help with a joke, kind word, smile or wave of her hand. Please make her Christmas the very best by becoming her Share Your Christmas sponsor.
Case 61: In and out of the hospital with a chronic illness, this 31-year-old single mother of a wonderful 8-year-old boy is unable to work. The son helps his mom when she is sick, and they work as a team to live a normal life despite many difficult obstacles. The family struggles each month to meet their basic needs. The son has requested board games he and his mother can play together when she is sick. He also needs clothes, and she would like linens, towels and bath and body products. Please ease the worry of this boy and his mom this holiday season by becoming their Share Your Christmas sponsor.
Case 68: This 65-year-old grandmother is caring for her 8-year-old grandson whose parents abandoned him. Grandmother is a chronic heart and lung patient whose health is declining. She does the best she can in providing necessities for her grandson; however, her limited income prevents her from being able to buy gifts during the holidays. Grandmother would like for her grandson to receive some used Playstation 2 games, clothes and a warm winter coat. Her only request is for household supplies and bedroom slippers. Please consider sponsoring this deserving family.
Case 73: This family consists of nine members, one of which is in foster care. This 35-year-old single mother currently has four of her children back in her custody and is working toward regaining custody of the other two. She is also taking care of her two grandchildren. The children range in age from 7 months to 18 years, with two girls and five boys. The family needs a variety of items such as towels and washcloths, pots and pans and clothing. The kids would like perfume and lotion, a bike, skates, toy trucks and cars, among other requests. Please consider sponsoring this family so desperately in need of something to bring them together this season.
Case 75: This 33-year-old widowed mother cares for her eight children, ranging in age from 3 months to 16 years, alone. All of her school-aged children suffer from multiple behavioral and emotional problems that cause them to frequently miss school. The mother often struggles with maintaining her home and addressing the issues the children face at school on a daily basis. Her biggest concern is ensuring her children feel cared for and loved. A generous Share Your Christmas sponsor would go a long way towards bringing some sense of normalcy to this household by helping them celebrate the holidays in a way that most of us take for granted.
Case 77: Please help brighten the holidays for this 28-year-old, single mother of three. She has made great strides this past year in turning her life around and setting goals to ensure success for her family's future. The kids, ages 4 to 8 are delightful, despite their difficult lives. The big sister in this family is very much like a little mommy. She can tell you everything about her younger siblings -- from what they are wearing to what they did over the weekend. You can't help but laugh with how animated she gets telling anyone about how her siblings are doing in kindergarten and preschool. This mom and these kids would really appreciate any help you could provide.
Case 99: This 78-year-old lady lives alone in a senior citizens apartment building. She rarely goes out other than to medical appointments. She was heartbroken when she moved there, because she had to give up her beloved cat, as cats were not allowed. She probably will be alone at Christmastime and would appreciate a friendly Share Your Christmas sponsor to brighten up the season for her. She asks for very little: cotton panties and bedroom shoes. Maybe you can think of something else she might like.
Case 100: This 71-year-old lady is very independent despite her health problems. She lives on a small income, but she still tries to help others in every way she can. She likes to decorate her house for most holidays, and Christmas is her favorite. She lives alone, and her children are scattered. She would love to welcome a Share Your Christmas sponsor into her home to share the joy and memories of her wonderful, fulfilling life.
Case 83: This 38-year-old mother of six could really use some help this holiday season to get the children some warm clothes. Mother works, but her income is small. She is struggling to meet the bills and doubts she could purchase anything without outside help. The children rage in age from 4 to 19 years, four boys and two girls.
Case 84: This young couple could use some help to provide a nice Christmas to their three girls, ages 8, 3 and 1. They both work, but only earn enough money to meet the family's basic needs. Clothes, cookware, games and toys would help ensure a Merry Christmas.
