After struggling through periods of her husband’s unemployment, falling behind on rent and other bills and worrying about putting food on the table, Carlyn, a mother of three, tearfully said she’s “scared for Christmas” because she doesn’t want to see the disappointment in her children’s faces if she can’t make their Christmas wishes come true.
“I’m scared. I’m kind of scared for Christmas because I don’t want to hurt my kids because of the mess that we’re in,” Carlyn, 35, of North Coventry wept during a recent interview.
Last February, Carlyn’s husband lost his job and was unemployed for several months while he struggled to find another job that pays a salary comparable to what he previously earned.
“He tried anything to keep us fed,” said Carlyn, explaining her husband found work at a local grocery store for a while but the income didn’t come close to what the family had in the past.
The family has struggled with qualifying for food assistance programs.
Carlyn’s husband eventually found a full-time job as a forklift operator but his hours vary and he is making about $40,000 less than he did in prior years.
“We’re basically starting over with a new income,” Carlyn said, adding the family has struggled to pay rent, utility bills and put food on the table during the time her husband was unemployed or underemployed. “Rent, electric, all our credit cards, our car payments, everything fell behind.”
The family saw a vehicle repossessed by a creditor.
Carlyn said her husband constantly hopes for overtime work and additional pay.
“We think we’re going to get ahead but then we don’t see it, we don’t see that money. We’re not able to get anywhere,” Carlyn said.
Carlyn, who had been a stay-at-home mom, recently found a part-time job to help supplement the family’s income.
“There’s hope. We’re just trying to catch up. It’s been quite a challenge. My husband and I hope that this coming year will be better,” Carlyn said.
Carlyn, who has suffered from health issues including back problems, currently is receiving physical therapy for sciatica pain and may need an MRI.
“Hopefully, physical therapy works. After that, I hope I will be able to go full-time,” Carlyn said. “I see opportunity when I get better. I’m hoping I do get better so I can work.”
As Christmas nears, Carlyn said she’s saddened to know that she doesn’t have money to make the wishes of her three children, ages 3 to 7, come true.
“I haven’t been able to purchase a single present for my children. It makes me sad because this is the hardest year. They’re so little and won’t understand,” said Carlyn, her voice cracking with emotion as she began to cry. “I don’t want to cry, but we are so behind.”
Carlyn said she had some items on layaway at a local store for gifts for her children but had to cancel it.
“I couldn’t afford it. I just canceled it this past week. It was $400 but there was no way I was going to get that money in time,” Carlyn wept.
“So what I am hoping for is maybe that when I get my first paycheck from my new job two days before Christmas, I’ll go out there and surrender my pay for them. But some bills have to be paid and I don’t know how I’m going to do that,” Carlyn said.
While her family has fallen behind on rent, Carlyn said her landlord has been understanding about her family’s financial struggles and she appreciates his kindness.
“He is aware of the situation but we are hanging on by a thread,” Carlyn said. “We have been behind for a while now and every time we seem to put money out then the next month happens and we’re behind a little more. That’s been a challenge.”
Carlyn said she turned to the North Coventry Food Pantry for help to put food on her table.
“It is a huge help. The food pantry gives my family food at the beginning of the month. It’s helpful because that’s when rent is due and if I can get anything to my landlord it’s better than nothing,” Carlyn said.
Carlyn was overcome with emotion to learn there are generous strangers and programs like the food pantry and Operation Holiday to assist her family during the financial struggles.
“Thank you so much,” Carlyn said.
Carlyn shared her story to inspire those who can to give to the children of our community at this most appropriate time, the holidays.
Operation Holiday
Operation Holiday was started in 1991 at The Mercury in Pottstown to help families going through tough times provide something for their children during the holidays. The mission of the program is to make sure there is food on the table and gifts under the tree when Christmas morning comes.
Now in its 33rd year, the program has served thousands of families throughout Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties, expanding its reach in recent years to include communities served by Reading Eagle, The Times Herald, The Reporter, and Daily Local News.
More than $91,000 in donations last year provided food and gifts for 451 children and 199 families, plus cash donations to food pantries in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.
This year, Operation Holiday has partnered with 19 agencies in the tri-county area. Agencies have referred 165 families with 419 children for gifts and food.
There is no overhead with Operation Holiday and all funds stay local. Funds are collected and audited in a non-profit foundation account managed by staff of MediaNews Group who volunteer their time.
Gift cards to area grocery stores are provided to each family for food, so that they can purchase the fixings for a holiday dinner as well as staples for the pantry. Weis Markets is a partner with Operation Holiday and has assisted with food purchases and gift cards.
Gift cards for every child in the program 16 years of age or younger are purchased through Boscov’s and distributed in partnership with the referring agencies so that families can purchase gifts of their choice.
Operation Holiday does not accept families who have not been referred by an agency.
Operation Holiday is funded solely by reader contributions. All contributions are tax-deductible.
HOW TO DONATE
Online donations are being accepted in a secure portal in partnership with TriCounty Community Network. Visit https://tcnetwork.org/ and click on the link for Operation Holiday.
Contributions can be mailed with checks payable to Operation Holiday to PO Box 1181, Pottstown PA 19464; The Reporter, 307 Derstine Ave., Lansdale PA 19446; Operation Holiday, 1440 Lacrosse Ave., Reading, PA 19607.
The names of all contributors are published in the participating newspapers as donations are received. Please note whether a contribution should be designated as anonymous or given in tribute or in memory of someone.
Source: Berkshire mont
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