By Rick Dandes
MILTON — Josephine, a part-time hourly worker for a local convenience store, is fighting to bring her family together again.
But it’s an uphill battle.
Hers is a family ripped apart by poverty.
“I have a 13-year-old son currently in foster care and an 8-year-old daughter living with her father,” she said. “My wish, during this holiday season, is to reunite us all back into one family, but because I don’t have the money to support my two kids, it’s not possible right now.”
She is allowed weekend visits with her children. It’s gut-wrenching, seeing them as they are, she said.
“I miss them so much,” she said. ”And during the holiday season, it hurts even more.”
Josephine, who chose to remain anonymous, said she’s living with a nice, elderly couple.
“But it’s under their roof, not mine,” she said.
Every dime she makes now goes toward paying the rent. After that, she said, there isn’t much left.
“You know what kind of pay you get when you work for retail stores. It’s barely enough to take care of yourself, never mind two kids.”
Still, she continues to look for better-paying work.
She said she is seeking a full-time job to raise enough money to be able to afford her own place.
“Then I could maybe petition the court and get my kids back,” she said. “It’s not right for them to be separated. It just isn’t.”
Josephine wants to help others as well.
“I’m taking some courses,” she said. “I realize I need to improve my skills. What I’ve learned about myself is that I’d like to be a counselor. Assist people who are in situations similar to the ones I’m in. If I ever get the opportunity, I’d like to give back. These are tough times, but I’ve met a lot of kind people in this area, and I need to thank them for all their help.”
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 $39,675.
Recent donors are Roger and Peg Lockwood, Lewisburg, $50; Mary F. Rebuck, Sunbury, $50; in honor of Sandy Wendt, Lewisburg, $60; Barry G. Hayhurst, Northumberland, $50; Paul and Gloria Adams, Port Trevorton, $100; and Christine E. Boop, Mifflinburg, $50.
Also, Patricia Fahnestock, Selinsgrove, $50; Bernice L. Troutman, Selinsgrove, $15; Roy and Carol Moyer Jr., Northumberland, $100; and anonymous donations totaling $381.
-- E-mail comments to rdandes@dailyitem.com.
