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Beset by poor health, and worried for her kids

By Times Staff
Published November 28, 2005

EDITOR'S NOTE: As the holidays approach, the Citrus County Family Resource Center is collecting gifts, clothing and other items for the needy. The center helped 1,773 people last year. This is a short profile of a family, known for identification purposes as 20581, that the center is helping. lf you would like to help this family or others registered with the center, call 344-1001.

Tasha always wanted to be a mother. She married her boyfriend right after graduation. First a son was born, followed a few years later by a daughter. All went well for the young family until Tasha's third pregnancy resulted in severe health problems.

One hardship after another followed as the family struggled with the health problems of Tasha and the youngest daughter. The hardest blow came a few years ago, when dad died.

Still, Tasha managed to purchase a small house and build a little nest egg. She was even able to help out another family at Christmas for the past two years.

But this year, tragedy again befell the family. A little more than two months ago, Tasha's old health problems resurfaced, bringing with them a host of new problems. The most serious is the shutdown of her kidneys. As she waits for a transplant, Tasha has watched her little nest egg disappear. She wonders how she can afford food for the holidays, much less presents.

She was told that it will be at least a year before she can return to work - if a donor can be found right away. The older teens help out with part-time jobs, but it is still a struggle to keep up with day-to-day expenses.

Ann, 14, is a tall girl. She wears a junior size 3 and a size 8 shoe. She likes the retro styled flared jeans and adornments for fixing her long hair. A quiet young lady, Ann also enjoys reading.

Jacob is 17 and enjoys dragon themed items. His greatest need would be jeans, size 30 x 32, and good work shoes.

Julie, 9, is the baby of the family. Because of her past health problems, the older children are concerned that she should receive some Christmas gifts. Because Julie is a bit behind in her reading level, educational toys would be useful. Julie also likes BRATZ dolls and paraphernalia. She is more of a jeans and T-shirt girl, rather than dresses, but she does like hair adornments. She wears size 10/12 clothing and size 3 shoes.

One of the most helpful things for this family would be food or grocery certificates. Canned goods and other nonperishables can be held for the family. And a food certificate will allow them to purchase meat and other perishables.

If sponsoring a single family or child and filling all of the wishes are too difficult, think about sharing sponsorship with friends or other family members. Remember that every gift bought for a specific child goes to that child.

If you have constraints on your time or budget, do what you can. Other options are buying a pack of underwear or socks, pajamas, toiletries or a toy for the Family Resource Center to dispense where needed. Gift certificates from local food stores are also welcome this time of year.

[Last modified November 28, 2005, 01:04:15]