News

Financial woes leave no money for gifts

By Jonathan Phelps
Correspondent
Published: December 2, 2008

Susan was working full time until about a year ago when she was pregnant with her third child. She was put on bed rest, and the baby was born two months' premature with some health concerns.

A year later, Susan and her husband are struggling to pay their mortgage and meet the basic needs of their family on one income. Health insurance and the medications for their baby are very costly.

She really didn't know what she would tell her children this Christmas season because there isn't any money left for anything because of the mortgage and heating costs.

Her cousin told her to go to the Salvation Army for help. But Susan thought because her husband worked full time she wouldn't qualify for help. She finally ended up going in for assistance and was received with open arms. They signed her up for food and heating oil assistance.

Susan was also signed up to receive gifts for her children.

Many people need help this year: those 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 Salem News Holiday Fund work together to help those who need a little something extra to get their lives going again, especially around the holidays when families gather. 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 to 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, write to the 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