Thanks for Giving 2008: Can you help, Lincoln?
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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.
The original list ran in the Nov. 18 Journal Star. Here are needs that have not yet been answered and needs that weren’t yet fully answered:
Still unmet: Updated 11/26/08
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 at Voices of Hope, 476-2110.
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 at Lincoln Regional Center, 479-5272 or gayle.resh@nebraska.gov
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. If you can help call Ruth at Lancaster County Health Department Maternal Child Health Nursing, 441-6293.
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 at Lancaster County Health Department Maternal Child Health Nursing, 441-8073
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 at Lincoln Action Program, 471-4515, ext. 253.
Rachel is a single mother of three who fled an abusive relationship. She received a visa to be-come 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 at Lincoln Action Program, 471-4515, ext. 253.
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 at Matt Talbot, 477-4116.
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 at Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, 464-2227 ext. 112.
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. Shawn at Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, 464-2227 ext. 112.
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. at Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, 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 at Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, 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. Kari at Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, 464-2227 ext. 113.
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, at Health Department Early Development Network 441-6704
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, Laser Quest, or puzzles, DVDs and craft projects. Terry at CenterPointe, 475-8717.
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 at Cedars, 434-5437.
The Malone Center didn’t get any takers on its need for a new roof to continue to support those who have needs and to keep young people in a good, structured environment. They would like to help many families under one roof. Nate at the Malone Center, 474-1116.
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 at St. Monica’s, 434-2812.
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.
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 at Centro de las Américas, 474-3951.
The women of Fresh Start Transitional Living facility need socks and undergarments in various sizes. Call 475-7777.
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 at Family Service 441-7949.
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 at the Health Department Early Development Network 441-6702.
Partially met
The following needs were partially met by readers as of earlier this week. We’ve taken out the requests that were filled.
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. The family could use gift certificates to grocery stores. Amity at the Health Department Early Development Network, 441-4678.
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. Money is tight, 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 at the Health Department Early Development Network, 441-6717.
Due to unexpected expenses, Rick couldn't pay his family's bills His boys, ages 6, 4 and 2½, could use clothes - sizes 5-6, 4T and 3T and bunkbeds. Kim at County Health Department Maternal Child Health Nursing, 441-6263.
Kathleen is a single mom who recently had premature twins. Her daughter was recently hospitalized and Kathleen has missed work — so she could use vouchers to help pay her utilities. She could also use girl baby clothes size 6-9 months. Cheryl at the County Health Department Maternal Child Health Nursing, 441-8073.
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 could also use vouchers to help pay higher utility bills this winter. Cheryl at the County Health Department Maternal Child Health Nursing at 441-8073.
Kristi, a mother of 2, needs assistance to get a divorce which would be uncontested. She is no longer with her husband as he abused one of her children. Sherri at Family Service, 441-7949, ext. 665.
Jamie, 25, has no local family. She would appreciate a phone card to help her feel closer to her family over the holidays. Call Fresh Start Home, 475-7777.
Remie, 43, is preparing to move out on her own. She would like gift certificates for food. Call Fresh Start Home, 475-7777.
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 and gently used board and table games. Gayle at Lincoln Regional Center, 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 footballs, hand-held weights, ping pong paddles, exercise mats and hula hoops. Gayle at Lincoln Regional Center, 479-5272 or gayle.resh@nebraska.gov
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 at Lincoln Action Program, 471-4515, ext. 297.
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). Laura at Lincoln Action Program, 471-4515, ext. 247.
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.
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. They got some help, but could use more. Cindy at Lancaster County Health Department, 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 still use a grocery gift card. Cindy at Lancaster County Health Department, 441-6207.
Maria, a mother of two, is struggling to make it on her own. She received a twin bed for her 5-year-old son, but could still use gift cards to Sears for small kitchen appliances. Michelle C. at Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, 464-2227, ext. 116.
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 and there were some donations of clothing, but Ian’s family still needs: coats; newborn necessities including an infant car seat, diapers and wipes; bikes and bike locks for the girls. While a cross country coach pledged to help Ian with some running gear, he still needs running shoes (men’s size 11), and a coat (men’s medium). Alex at Cedars, 434-5437.
Tess, 19, has a 3-year-old daughter 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 got a few baby outfits, but 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 at Cedars, 434-5437.
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. After receiving one portable CD player with headphones, St. Monica’s could still use 29 more to check out to clients to help them complete homework. Wendy at St. Monica’s, 434-2812.
Janet needed shoes and wanted to buy new shoes for all of her children — ages 12, 10, 9 and 7. While Janet received the shoes she needs, there are other clients who could also use gift cards to shoe stores or discount stores. Wendy at St. Monica’s, 434-2812.
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 and phone cards to call her aunt. Her request for a gift card to a “dine in” at a restaurant with her AA sponsor for a holiday meal was met by several calls, meaning Brianna and some of the other girls in the program will be going out for dinner. Wendy at St. Monica’s, 434-2812.
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 received some financial help, but still could use more for medical bills, food, rent and utilities. 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. Even offering to drive once a month would be a great help. LSTP can also use financial support and volunteers to take phone requests. Deb Hynek at 441-6179.
Allison, a 23-year-old single mother of five, had most of her needs met by readers. But she still needs a crib and bedding for her 3-month-old daughter. Lisa at Lincoln Action Program, 471-4515, ext. 136.
