SUNBURY — Sometimes, things spiral out of control despite a family’s best intentions.
Linda, a Mifflinburg single mother who asked that her last name not be used, said she was laid off in 2009 and has been working at part-time jobs ever since.
Almost in tears, she wailed, “I can’t find a full-time job. Half the time I’ve been on unemployment, and I’m in debt. Thank God, I’ve been able to keep my home, but some months, I have a lot of trouble meeting the mortgage payment. It seems like no one can do anything to help me or folks like me who are earning less than half of what we were earning a few years ago.”
She has a son, 11, for whom she would like to buy a video game for Christmas, but the price of games these days is prohibitive — $60 a pop for new games.
“He’s a happy child,” she said, “but sometimes I worry that he’s just putting on a good face for me, because he can see how worried I am.”
With Christmas approaching, all she wants is for her and her son to have a quiet, happy time together.
She is divorced, but her former husband is destitute and pays no child support, she said.
“I don’t want anything for myself,” she added. “I just want my son to enjoy the holiday season, just like his school friends.”
Besides video games, she’d like to be able to get some new clothes for the boy. “He’s growing up fast,” she said.
The Needy Family Fund, sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank, raises money during the holidays to aid the Valley’s less fortunate. It is administered by Salvation Army citadels in Sunbury and Milton. Donations also can be left with Susquehanna Bank offices in Sunbury, Selinsgrove, Milton, Lewisburg, Shamokin West, Shamokin East, Kulpmont, Mount Carmel and Pillow.
This year’s goal is $75,000. Today’s balance is $13,620.
Recent contributors are William and Marjory Shoemaker, of Northumberland, $50; Deane and Jeanne Shively, of Turbotville, $200; Susquehanna Bank, Greater Susquehanna Valley, $1,000; William Skumanich, of Northumberland, $100; Terry and Susan Sheaffer, of Sunbury, $50; and anonymous donations totaling $350.
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Single mom asks Needy Family Fund to help son
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