Thanks for Giving 2008: Can you help, Lincoln?
digg it!
Facebook
del.icio.us
Seed Newsvine
Fark It
Reddit
By the Lincoln Journal Star
For 25 years, Journal Star readers have helped meet the needs of their neighbors through the newspaper’s Thanks for Giving project.
The premise is simple. We ask service providers to share their clients’ needs with us, and we share them with you.
Giving is simple too. Look for a need you can fill. Call the number. And make someone’s holiday.
Fresh Start Home
Geri, a 32-year-old mother of three, wishes for gift cards to buy Christmas gifts for her children. Call 475-7777.
All Allie, 54, wants is a tote containing such hygiene items as body wash, deodorant, shampoo and a toothbrush container. Call 475-7777.
Jamie, 25, has no local family. She would appreciate stamps and a phone card to help her feel closer to her family over the holidays. Call 475-7777.
Remie, 43, is preparing to move out on her own. She would like gift certificates for food and cleaning supplies to get a good start in her new home. Call 475-7777.
The women of Fresh Start Transitional Living facility need socks and undergarments in various sizes. Call 475-7777.
Family Service
Kristi, a mother of two, needs financial help to get a divorce (uncontested). She also needs her furnace fixed because the pilot light will not stay lit. Sherri, 441-7949, ext. 665.
Penny is raising four kids — ages 6 to 17 — on her own. She lost her job and is leaving her home due to poor conditions. She’s seeking gift certificates for such basic help as food, gas and clothing. Miranda, 441-7949.
Lincoln Housing Authority
Ann is 5-foot-1 and needs size 5 petite business causal clothes for work. (Smaller sizes are hard to find at community agencies.) Elizabeth, 434-5529.
Friendship Home
Ten-year-old Maggie came to Friendship Home with her mom to be safe from her mom’s abusive partner. Maggie participates in the Match Program, where she was “matched” with Gretchen, a college student who volunteers to spend time with Maggie. You can help Maggie — and other children — with movie passes and gift certificates for bowling, mini-golf and other activities. Katie, 437-9363.
Lydia found her own apartment, safe from her abusive boyfriend. But she put all of her money toward her deposit and first month’s rent, and could use floor and table lamps and cleaning supplies to brighten her new home. Katie, 437-9363.
Gayle and her kids stayed at Friendship Home to find safety from Gayle’s abusive husband. They have their own apartment now, but by the end of the month, she has a hard time stretching her paycheck to meet their needs. They need toiletry items, like body wash, deodorant and African-American hair products. Katie, 437-9363.
Health Department Early Development Network
Daniel was born with medical conditions that required hospital stays and follow-up appointments at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. His parents, Julie and Bob, are working to get as self-sufficient as possible, but Daniel’s medical needs are overwhelming. They need winter clothing for Daniel (2T) and basic furniture, including a toddler bed and a dresser. Movie tickets or dining gift cards could help them relax. Catalina, 441-6706.
Tiffany got out of an abusive relationship. She is a single parent of a 2-year-old boy who needs winter clothing (2T-4T) as well as Size 4-5 diapers. They also need furniture, including a dresser for her son and a bed for Tiffany. Catalina, 441-6706.
Mary and Joseph have five children. Four have special needs. Joseph had been hospitalized twice this year, and family finances have became tight. Mary has tried to keep a healthy home but, at times, can feel overwhelmed. They would appreciate some fun in their lives: passes for the Ager Indoor playground, and gift cards for massages, movies or dining out. Catalina, 441-6706.
Nancy can’t work because of her 17-month-old son’s health problems. Andy has daily medical appointments, many in Omaha, as well as daily visits with physical, occupational and speech therapists. Nancy has no transportation, so she must rely on others to get Andy to his appointments, and she can’t use public transportation or cabs because of all of his medical equipment. She needs a reliable car. Jame, 441-6702.
Angela is a single parent with three kids, ages 6, 3 and 8 months. The baby girl was born prematurely and was in the hospital for four months this year. Angela is taking online nursing classes so she can support herself and her children. She wants to help people the way her baby was helped, but she can’t work — she can’t put the baby in day care and risk exposing her to illnesses. Money is tight, and her boys have made many sacrifices. She would like toys or movie passes for them. And she could use diapers for the baby (size 1), wipes, gas vouchers to help get to medical appointments in Omaha and dining gift cards. Teresa, 441-6717.
David is caring for his 3-year-old daughter and working a full-time job. But he’s having a hard time keeping up with his bills. He can’t afford to pay to have the heat turned on his apartment and is worried about the safety of the space heaters he’s using. So, he needs help paying his heating bill. He could also use clothing and diapers for his daughter: size 4T shirts and 3T pants and size 5 diapers. Jeri, 441-6705.
Tamara, a hard-working single mother of three boys, was recently injured and unable to work. She is now back at work part time until her injury heals. Her house was broken into, and her digital camera — with all of her kids’ pictures on it — and a TV were stolen. If you can help in any way, it would brighten their holidays. Amity, 441-4678.
Sarah works full time at a gas station but has no transportation to get to her job or take her family to appointments. So far, the weather has made walking the 30 minutes to and from work manageable. She can take the bus, but it would add hours to get to work and home. With winter on its way, Sarah needs a reliable vehicle to continue to support her family. Janel, 441-6704.
Mary and Steven have two young boys with health problems that require frequent medical appointments in Lincoln and Omaha. Steven works full time and Mary stays home with their sons, 21 months and 8 months. At the end of the month there is no money left for unforeseen expenses, and now their washer and dryer need repair. They need replacements or help getting them fixed. Jessie, 441-6034.
Ryan and Tiffany have two boys, ages 4 years and 22 months, and a daughter, 3 months. Ryan and Tiffany are hard workers and have always been able to pay their bills. But after their daughter’s birth, Tiffany got an infection and hasn’t been able to work for three months. And Joseph recently had surgery. Bills are piling up, and the family has struggled to pay rent and utilities, and buy diapers, clothes and food. Their car’s check engine light recently came on. They could use gift certificates to grocery stores, gas stations, ShopKo or LES, and help with their car. Jessie, 441-6034.
Barb and Frank have seven children — one of whom has a disability. Frank works at a factory and Barb is a stay-at-home mother. Their washer broke and they can’t afford to get it fixed or buy a new one. The family could also use gift certificates to grocery stores. Amity, 441-4678.
Shelly and David are the parents of seven children, 6 months to 13 years. Recently, their electric stove broke, and although they both work, they can’t afford a new stove. Amity, 441-4678.
County Health Department Maternal Child Health Nursing
Tina, 24, is a mother of two who moved to an apartment after three months at the City Mission. She is working on her GED and plans to get a job. She wishes for a crib, particularly one that can be converted into a junior bed. Ruth, 441-6293.
Chasteen is a single mother of four. Her 2-year-old daughter, Lilac, has a rare and eventually fatal medical condition. She needs tube feedings and has a monitor that sounds an alarm if her heart rate or respirations are too low. Chasteen is requesting help getting an emergency generator for their home in case of power failure. The family has moved to a larger rented home and needs furniture — couch, love seat, stuffed chairs and table lamps, and drapes — and vouchers to help pay higher utility bills this winter. Cheryl, 441-8073.
Kathleen is a single mom who recently had premature twins. She has only one crib and is requesting another. Her daughter was recently hospitalized and Kathleen has missed work — so she could use vouchers to help pay her utilities. She could also use boy or girl baby clothes size 6-9 months. Cheryl, 441-8073.
Jennifer is a single teen mother with a 15-month-old son who was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the eye. She takes him to Iowa every two to four weeks for treatment and must stay for one to two days each time. She could use vouchers for fast food restaurants when she is out of town, and boy’s winter clothes (size 18-24 months). Cheryl, 441-8073
Due to unexpected expenses, Rick couldn’t pay his family’s bills and they had to move out of their house. He stays with one relative; his wife and three boys stay with another in a different town. They would like to reunite their family by Christmas. He is looking for a two-bedroom affordable house or apartment. Also, the boys, ages 6, 4 and 2½, could use clothes — sizes 5-6, 4T and 3T. Kim, 441-6263.
Cindy is a single mother of three — 7, 2 and a newborn. Before having her last baby, she walked her son to school, walked to her daughter’s day care, and then walked to work. Her one-way trip: four miles. Cindy has a car but no driver’s license. She could use help learning the rules of the road and with driving practice. Tammy, 441-6290.
Jane is recently unemployed. Joe works but his hours were cut. Cindy would like to give her 7-year-old daughter a new 20-inch bicycle. Her daughter loves the outdoors, bike riding and has outgrown her old bike. Marjorie, 441-6218.
Child Guidance Center
Sarah, 18, is full-time college student who is 8 months pregnant and single. She hopes to become a pediatrician, but for now she needs gas cards to help get to school, work and medical and therapy appointments. Diapers and wipes would also appreciated. Dana, 475-7666.
Fourteen boys, ages 13-17, in a group home need warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves and wool socks. Coat sizes range from adult small to large. Sock sizes are 9-11. Dana, 475-7666.
Voices of Hope
Stacey is single, a victim of domestic violence and sexual assault. She is trying to live independently but must deal with health problems and financial challenges. Stacey is having dental problems but can’t afford to see a dentist. She is also facing a cold winter as can’t afford to heat her house. And her car is in need of new brakes. Stacey faces many challenges, but says her most immediate needs are for money to heat her house and for donated or paid dental services. Megan, 476-2110.
Sarah is a young mother of three who recently fled domestic violence. She is working full time but her car stopped running and mechanics have told her it is not worth fixing. Sarah does not complain and has learned the bus schedules. But she could use car to get to work and get her kids to school and day care. Nancy H., 476-2110.
Sally recently left a violent marriage, moving her two children to Nebraska a few weeks ago to begin a new life. Her children witnessed violence in their home and are showing symptoms of the trauma they experienced. Sally is worried about how she can provide a traditional holiday experience because she has been unable to find a job. She’s seeking new presents, especially books, games and toys appropriate for an 8-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. Patsy, 476-2110.
Sierra was sexually assaulted as a young child by a family member. Recently, she was again assaulted by an acquaintance. She has experienced emotional trauma and is unable to keep a job and fearful of leaving her apartment. She is getting counseling and showing improvement but now faces financial challenges. Throughout this, her best friend — and her source of a sense of safety — has been her dog. She would welcome donated dog food and veterinary care. Patsy, 476-2110.
Centro de las Américas
Tish is a struggling single mom of four, ages 14,13,9 and 8. She works hard but has not been able to buy a bed for a couple of her children. She shares an old, small mattress with two of her kids. She is also in need of winter coats. Maria, 474-3951
Michelle is the breadwinner for her family of six. Money has always been tight and she hasn’t been able to see her mother and family members, who live in another country, And her kids have never seen their grandmother or other relatives. Can you help them? Maria, 474-3951
Cedars
At 15, Ian is the oldest of six and is responsible for watching his siblings before and after school so his mom can work. Ian excels in school and sports, but his free time is dedicated to helping his mom raise the family. His main concern is getting his five sisters what they need: warm clothing and coats; newborn necessities including an infant car seat, diapers and wipes; bikes and bike locks for the girls and for Ian; and running shoes (men’s size 11), cross country running gear (men’s medium) and a coat (men’s medium) for Ian. Alex, 434-5437.
Tess, 19, has a 3-year-old son and is pregnant with her second child. She was living in a one-bedroom apartment with seven people when Cedars connected with her. She is now living in a shelter and working on a more permanent and healthy living arrangement. She could use anything for her daughter and the baby including newborn diapers and wipes, clothes (size 3-4T girls and size 3 months, gender neutral); and an infant and toddler car seat. Peg, 434-5437.
Taylor is a young mother with a 2-year-old son, Jacob. She is learning to parent her son, working on her education and setting goals for independent living in the next few months. She must provide for Jacob’s needs: clothing (2-3T), diapers (size 4-5) and wipes, and would appreciate educational toys for his age range. She also is trying to get items for living in her own apartment, including microwavable dishes, mixing bowls, baking pans, measuring spoons/cups, a 5-quart crock pot and twin bedding. Peg, 434-5437.
Barry, 16, entered into care due to a history of homelessness in his family. He has been shuffled around for the year he has been in Nebraska. His siblings live out of state, his mother is homeless and his father is dead. He has few material things and would appreciate black Adidas shoes (size 9½), socks, a hoodie (large), boxers (32-34), a CD alarm clock and gift cards to buy CDs and an electric shaver and aftershave. Alex, 434-5437.
Todd, 9, and Kailin, 8, were removed from their home due to neglect and unsanitary conditions, a result of parental addiction and mental health problems. The children have outgrown their beginner bikes and need larger bikes without training wheels, and helmets (boys size youth medium, girls, size youth small). They would love new pajamas, robes and slippers. Todd wears boys size 10, shoes size 5. Kailin wears girls size 8, shoes in size 4. Peg, 434-5437.
Lincoln Regional Center
Sharee has learned new recreation and leisure skills that are positive and productive ways to deal with the symptoms of her mental illness. She could use decks of cards, gently used board and table games and/or paperback books. Gayle, 479-5272 or gayle.resh@nebraska.gov
Andrea’s singing is a positive outlet for the feelings she’s dealing with in treatment at the Lincoln Regional Center. The karaoke machine she has been using is broken and can’t be fixed. She needs a karaoke machine and/or karaoke CDs. Gayle, 479-5272 or gayle.resh@nebraska.gov
Kayli channels her energy into physical activities — a positive change in her life as she completes treatment. She is seeking new or gently used sporting equipment such as basketballs, footballs, hand-held weights, ping pong paddles, exercise mats and hula hoops. Gayle, 479-5272 or gayle.resh@nebraska.gov
Lincoln Action Program
Katie is a single mother struggling to find work because her full-time job will end Nov. 30. But car problems are making it tough for her to find a new job. Katie and her daughter Nicole, 4, need food assistance, car repairs and gas cards. Lisa, 471-4515 ext. 253.
Shelly is a single mother of two. She was a stay-at-home mom, and her family relied on her husband’s income — but he was arrested and deported. Shelly has been trying to find ways to provide for her son Michael, 5, and daughter Michaela, 8, who need food and winter clothing. Michael wears size 7 clothes and size 13 shoes; Michaela wears size 12/14 and size 6 shoes. Luz, 471-4515 ext. 265.
Sam and Laura are married with two small girls. They both work but are struggling, and need clothing and shoes for their girls. Kelly is 4 and needs size 12 shoes, and dresses or skirts size 5-6. Sasha, 1, needs winter clothing size 12-18 months. Darcy, 471-4515, ext. 297.
Mary is a working mother of four with newborn twin sons. When she returned from the hospital, she found her front porch had been torn off due to maintenance and was given a three-day notice to vacate. She is asking for baby clothes (newborn, and sizes 3-6 months), and gift cards to support her children. Darcy, 471-4515 ext. 297.
Malia is a refugee from Kenya. She was forced to leave behind her husband and three daughters (16, 11 and 3) so she and her baby boy could escape war and poverty. She has worked hard, found housing and was accepted into the surgical assistant technology program at SCC. But she has not seen her daughters in two years. “I yearn every day to see their beautiful faces,” she said. She would be grateful if anyone can help with tickets for her children to come visit her. Lisa, 471-4515, ext. 253.
Allison is a 23-year-old single mother of five. She completed her GED and has enrolled in cosmetology school. She would like winter clothing for girls (Size 6x, 7x, 8x) and hair barrettes and scrunchees; winter clothing for boys (Size 4x, 5x) and basic household cleaning supplies. She could also use a crib and bedding for the baby girl (3 months) and help with Christmas gifts — computer toys, puzzles, dolls with styling heads and a bedroom makeover for the boys with cars, Nintendo video game and Spiderman. Lisa, 471-4515, ext. 136.
Miriam is a single parent from Sudan. She is working on her GED and hopes to go into nursing. She has one son and is pregnant with a daughter. She could use diapers (newborn), baby clothing and furniture or gift cards for these items. Laura, 471-4515, ext. 247.
Dannie is a single mom with one son and is trying to get her life back on track. She has graduated from a drug treatment program and has been clean for more than a year. She is enrolled full-time at SCC and soon will move into her first apartment. She needs furniture, kitchen items and a bed for her son. Laura, 471-4515, ext. 247.
Rachel is a single mother of three who fled an abusive relationship. She received a visa to become a U.S. citizen and is working two jobs, seven days a week. She needs a reliable car to get to work and get her children to school. Lisa, 471-4515, ext. 253.
Matt Talbot
Tom is single and working on his goals, including completing alcohol treatment, to get back on his feet. He needs some basic items for his new apartment: double bed, linens, table and floor lamps and pots and pans. Ann, 477-4116.
Karen is a single mom of three girls younger than 7. She has overcome major obstacles and has worked hard over the past year and a half, focusing on college and a stable, healthy future for her family. She needs a bunk bed (with double and twin mattresses) and help with its delivery. Ann, 477-4116.
Jane, 51, fled domestic violence, completed alcohol treatment and found her own apartment. Now she is looking for a part-time job. She uses public transportation to get to medical appointments. She would appreciate a winter coat, microwave, small table and chairs, double bed and a monthly bus pass. Ann, 477-4116.
Jill is a single mother of five working full time but struggling to make ends meet. She would love to have a good Christmas for her kids. Her 1-year-old girl likes dolls, Leap Frog learning games and wears 3T clothes. Her 2- and 4-year-old boys like Hot Wheels and remote-control cars. Her 8-year-old boy would enjoy video games like PlayStation or Nintendo DS and wears size 12-14 pants and shirts. Her 10-year-old girl wants to be an artist and would love art or sculpting supplies. And Jill would like bunk beds and help with her LES bill. Sara Jr., 477-4116 or saramtko@windstream.net
Shirley is an elderly woman on a fixed income who would love to have a working vacuum cleaner. It doesn’t have to be new. Sara Jr., 477-4116 or saramtko@windstream.net
Michael was diagnosed with bone cancer and is going through radiation. He is without a phone and would like to have a Trac phone with prepaid minutes so he can stay in touch with his son and the rest of his family during the holidays. Sara Jr., (402) 477-4116 or saramtko@windstream.net
Health Department Healthy Homes
After getting laid off, John has been searching for work for six weeks. His wife is trying to support their family of five with her low-paying job. Their children are 6, 5 and almost 2. They will soon be able to move into reduced-rent housing soon, but need help with a deposit. Cindy, 441-6207.
Dad is a laborer trying to support his family of five, but his hours are not consistent each week. He does odd jobs whenever he can, but there is never anything extra. The family could use a grocery gift card and clothes for girls Jessie, 12, Amy, 6, and baby Joseph, 6 months. Cindy, 441-6207.
Mercy Housing
Mercy Housing operates affordable, program-enriched housing for families, seniors and people with special needs. Residents here could use diapers for their children, any gift cards for gas, household items, basic hygiene products and gift card donations. Tammi, 435-4403
Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters
Alec is a single father of four trying to make ends meet. He works a factory job but has hopes of a better life for his children. Gift cards to Wal-Mart for winter clothing and holiday meals are needed for this family. Shawn, 464-2227 ext. 112.
Maria, a mother of two, is struggling to make it on her own. She needs gift cards to Sears for small kitchen appliances and a twin bed for her 5-year-old son. Michelle C., 464-2227 ext. 116.
Stacy recently left an abusive relationship and is working full time while raising four children, ages 3-9. They needs nonperishable food and gift cards for winter clothing from Gordmans and Target. Dana, 464-2227 ext. 103.
Emily and Joseph are working two jobs on split shifts. They have five children and need a family night out to the movies or Champions Fun Center. Gift cards to such activities would be appreciated. Contact Kari at Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters at 464-2227 ext. 113.
Josh and his two daughters just moved from California to pursue job opportunities. Josh can’t afford long distance, so his daughters can reach loved ones at this special time of year. Josh would appreciate phone cards. Michelle C., 464-2227 ext. 116.
Lily is a single mother of five (ages 2-13) and new to the area. She works hard to keep clothes on her children and food at their table and still provide a loving home. She would appreciate gift cards to help her buy shoes and winter clothing for her. Shawn, 464-2227 ext. 112.
Lincoln Area Agency on Aging
Larry is a 95-year-old WWII veteran and a POW survivor in need of a lift chair. He suffers from Alzheimer’s and is cared for by his wife and a home health care agency. A lift chair would enhance his daily living, maintain his dignity and help his caretakers provide quality care. On his limited income he is not able to buy one. The LIFE Office, 441-7070.
Betty is a recently divorced, 59-year-old daycare provider without insurance. In June, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. An aggressive treatment plan was devised, but when it became apparent she had no insurance, an alternate — less expensive — plan was devised. Betty has had only one chemo session and her medical bills already total more than $20,000. She has had to quit being a daycare provider due to her illness and the risk of being exposed to infection. She has no other source of income and is falling behind on rent and utility bills. She could use financial help for medical bills, food, rent and utilities. The LIFE Office, 441-7070.
Ruby, 88, writes a Christian newsletter with a circulation of about 100 copies each month. Her typewriter needs repair and replacement ribbons are impossible to find. Ruby is willing to step into the electronics age and learn how to operate a basic word processor. She needs a personal computer and printer. The LIFE Office, 441-7070.
The Lincoln Seniors Transportation Program takes adults 65 and older to all kinds of social activities such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions and visiting friends in the hospital or nursing home. LSTP can use financial support and volunteers to drive and take phone requests. Deb Hynek, at 441-6179.
The Life Office’s Senior Essential Program accepts donations of used home health equipment and supplies, such as tub benches, bathtub grab bars, lift chairs, wheelchairs, walkers and incontinence supplies. The Life Office, 441-7070.
CenterPointe
Carrie, Jane, Michael, Cindy, Bill, John and others are in treatment at CenterPointe for mental illness and substance use problems. They have histories of problems with homelessness and extremely impaired behaviors. Recreational therapy is a major component of the treatment program. Important gifts to support their recovery would be gift certificates to movies, bowling, Lazer Quest, or puzzles, DVDs and craft projects. Terry, 475-8717.
Belmont Community Center
JoAnne is a single mother of two who lives in a two-bedroom apartment. Her insurance costs were recently increased, hurting the already strained family budget. She would appreciate gift cards to buy groceries or gas. Call 477-8855.
St. Monica’s
Brianna is 16 and has no contact with her immediate family. She is being supported by her aunt, who lives in North Platte. She lives in St. Monica’s Adolescent Girls Substance Abuse Treatment program and is making great strides at overcoming her alcohol addiction. She is in need of sweatshirts XXL, phone cards to call her aunt, and she would love a gift card to a “dine in” restaurant to her AA sponsor to a holiday meal. Wendy, 434-2812.
Elizabeth is getting ready to graduate from New Beginnings at St. Monica’s Behavioral Health Services for Women, and needs help setting up her household. She and her three children (ages 10, 6 and 2) are excited about their new start away from her abusive husband and the drugs and alcohol that consumed their lives. She could use a new set of silverware, a new twin-sized bed quilt and a new set of pots and pans. She is also in need of gift cards to a local discount store. Wendy, 434-2812.
Janet needs shoes. All of her children — ages 12, 10, 9 and 7 — grew out of or wore out their shoes, and Janet would like to buy them new shoes for Christmas. She could use gift cards to shoe stores or discount stores, as well as gas cards to help her get to work. Wendy, 434-2812.
Clients at St. Monica’s Behavioral Health Services for women attend classes and groups to help them cope with substance abuse and mental health issues. They’re often assigned homework that includes listening to a CD that may include meditation or life skills. St. Monica’s needs 30 portable CD players with headphones that clients can check out to complete homework. Wendy, 434-2812.
Malone Center
As we provide opportunities for our community, we find ourselves in need of a new roof to continue to support those who have needs and to keep young people in a good, structured environment. Looking at the big picture, we would be helping many families under one roof. Nate, 474-1116.
American Red Cross
More than 500 military service members from Nebraska are serving away from home. The American Red Cross is collecting holiday cards to distribute to service members, veterans and their families. Its goal? To distribute 1 million cards to spread holiday cheer and give thanks. Sign a general message in a card and send them to Holiday Mail for Heroes, PO Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456. No letters or photos, please. They must be postmarked by Dec. 10.
