By Amanda O’Rourke
MILTON -- Jessica and Kenneth enjoyed a healthy income, owned their home and each drove a brand-new vehicle when they lived in New Hampshire.
But that was four months ago. Fast-forward to today, and the couple, whose careers in sales fell flat, has been forced to turn their home -- and their vehicles -- over the bank, and was forced to move to Milton, along with their three young children.
The couple left New Hampshire and her family, Jessica said, for the lower cost of living in Milton, where Kenneth's family lives.
Kenneth, 32, took a job at Milton Logistics, while Jessica, 26, stays home with the couple's three girls, ages 5, 2 ½ and 8 months.
"Right now we're just trying to make ends meet and trying to figure out what we can and can't pay, trying to figure out what we're doing for Santa Claus," Jessica said.
Her eldest, Kylie, likes to color, play games and do crafts, while her middle daughter, Payton, would like a bike or some My Little Ponies. Eight-month-old Brooke would be pleased with just about anything.
Jessica hopes the Needy Family Fund will make her girls' Christmas wishes comes true, even if she can't.
"It's really hard because even growing up, my mom was a single mom and it was like the Christmas tree had thrown up (gifts) all over the living room every year. She busted her butt to do that," Jessica said. "Christmas is a really big deal in my head. It's really hard now to say they might only get two or three things, if that."
The Needy Family Fund, sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank, in cooperation with Salvation Army citadels in Sunbury and Milton, raises money to help the less fortunate in the Valley during the holidays.
Today's balance stands at $2,955.54.
Recent donors are: Charles and Lorraine Foulds, Trevorton, $100; Lonnie Gelnet, Middleburg, $100; William and Lois Vandenheuvel, Lewisburg, $50; Andy and Sharon Womer family, in memory of Sharon Guyer, Selinsgrove, $50; Charlotte Liggett, Lewisburg, $25; Charles and Patricia Keeley, Northumberland, $25; Helen M. Reitz, Sunbury, $20; and anonymous donations totaling $225.
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Needy Family Fund
Donations go to buy food, clothing and gifts for the less fortunate in the Valley. Contributions are tax-deductible. The fund is sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank. Contributions may be taken to any Susquehanna Bank office or mailed to:
Needy Family Fund
Susquehanna Bank
400 Market St.
Sunbury, PA 17801
2009 goal: $75,000
