TURBOTVILLE — A BB gun shot to the eye has been the toughest obstacle for a Turbotville man and his family to overcome.
Before his injury, which came from a 6-year-old playing with the gun, the husband had worked at Muncy Home, but now he can’t work at all. His wife, who asked that her family’s name not be published, said her husband also suffers from back and neck injuries related to his time in the military. He is a veteran of Desert Storm I and Desert Storm II.
The family applied for food stamps, but was turned down because the husband’s military pension brings them slightly over the limit required by the program. Meanwhile, the pension is their main source of income. “Believe me, you can’t live very much on that,” the wife said.
She stays at home to help raise their two children, an 11-year-old and a 16-year-old. The eldest child is bipolar and has ADHD. The wife’s daughter, who is 20, bipolar and pregnant, will be coming to live with the family soon as well.
The family has applied for help from the Salvation Army and is awaiting a letter saying what donations the couple and their children will receive.
“My kids would love things for Christmas, but they know we’re broke,” she said. “They just want to be happy.”
Despite all the hardships, the family keeps going, the wife said. “We’re still strong people,” 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 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 $29,878.
Recent contributors are Marlin and Phyllis Reber, of Mifflinburg, $50; Kenneth and Sandra Field, of Lewisburg, $200; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Benoit, of Lewisburg, $750; Christine Boop, of Mifflinburg, $50; and Michael and Ann Aurand, of Winfield, $100.
Also, Glenn and Mary Miller, of Lewisburg, $1,500; Klinesgrove United Methodist Church Women, of Sunbury, $50; Roy Hoffman, of Richfield, $100; Michael and Kathleen Flock, of Middleburg, $50; Linda Treese, of Lewisburg, $200; and in memory of Lindley Hummel by Carolyn Smith, of Northumberland, $25.
Also, St. Johns Lutheran Altar Guild, of Snydertown, $100; Gary and Susan Wentzel, of Shamokin Dam, $100; and anonymous donations totaling $750.
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