VALLEY SANTA: Single moms struggle to make ends meet [The Citizens' Voice, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.]

Dec. 6—Valley Santa has received many letters from single moms who are struggling to afford Christmas gifts for their children and they asked for help.

One letter came from a widow, Jessica, who said her son lost his dad a few years ago and is disabled.

They receive Social Security disability insurance but Jessica said "unfortunately, that only goes so far these days." She said she would be grateful if Valley Santa could help by providing Christmas gifts for her son.

"Any help we can get is amazing," Jessica wrote.

In another letter, Stacy wrote that she recently became a single mom to five children and is struggling to be financially independent. She also asked for Valley Santa's help.

"With the holidays coming up, I have been trying to figure out how I will afford to buy my children gifts and pay for utilities," Stacy wrote. "Nothing brings me more joy than seeing my children happy and that's what the holiday season is to me: seeing my children happy. Thank you for all that you do."

How to donate: Donations may be mailed to Valley Santa Inc., P.O. Box 5276, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, or dropped off at any M&T Bank branch to purchase Christmas gifts for children in need in Luzerne County. People also can donate online at valleysanta.org.

How to request help: Write a letter to Valley Santa, P.O. Box 5268, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711, explaining the need that exists in as much detail as possible. Include your name, the names, ages and genders of your children, address, ZIP code and telephone number. The letter must be co-signed by a clergy member, case/social worker or school or health personnel and must include their address and evening telephone number for confirmation. Requests will be considered for children ages 12 and younger. No telephone requests will be accepted.

How to volunteer: Volunteers are needed to shop for gifts beginning at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and to wrap gifts 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Boscov's in Wilkes-Barre. Volunteers also are needed to read letters from families in need. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call Help Line at 570-829-1341 or go to pa211ne.org.

Contact the writer:

[email protected] 570-821-2115, @CVAllabaugh

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