SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

Local News

December 24, 2007

Sick child puts drain on finances

When you have a sick child, it seems like the whole world around you has stopped and nothing else seems to matter.

Last year, Becky's son was born premature and had many health problems. While her son was gaining strength in a Boston hospital, Becky had to travel back and forth daily to see him.

Throughout this time, her anxiety was high and she could not work. Her husband continued to work through their son's health crisis, but without Becky working, it was harder and harder to keep up with the bills.

Becky came to the Salvation Army to ask for food and some help with their rent on the advice of one of the nurses at the hospital. The Salvation Army was able to give the family food several times. They were also able to help Becky catch up with rent with assistance from agencies and provided referrals for help with the family's heating needs.

With the holidays on the way, Becky also signed up for Christmas assistance, which provided her son with clothes and toys. That tough little baby finally came out of the hospital after several months and has continued to thrive.

He still has some health concerns but they are managable. Becky is now able to work part time while her mother watches the baby and they are working hard at paying their bills on time.

Many people, perhaps your neighbors, need help this time of year: people who are out of work, parents who are ill or have a sick child or single parents struggling to pay rent, utilities and other necessities.

Hardships and just making ends meet may mean no extra money for gifts or a holiday meal. The Salvation Army and the Essex County Newspapers Holiday Fund work together to help those in need.

Your donations go a long way to help neighbors get going again.

Want to help?

To contribute, send checks payable to The Salvation Army Holiday Fund, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915. Contributions will be recorded and recognized in the newspaper in your name, or as indicated on your enclosed check. If you wish, you may list an additional family member, school, group or corporation, or designate your gift as a memorial (please specify).

If you know of anyone who needs assistance, e-mail holidayfund@ecnnews.com or write to Essex County Newspapers' Salvation Army Holiday Fund at the address listed above.





Do you need help?

To receive assistance, contact the Salvation Army at the following locations:

Beverly, 50 Elliott St., (978) 922-4522.

Salem, 93 North St., (978) 744-5181.

Newburyport, 40 Water St., (978) 465-0883, ext. 10.

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