Editor's note: The Gloucester Daily Times is working with the Salvation Army again this year to raise money for people in need during the holidays. This is the first of 24 profiles that will run in the paper daily until Christmas.
It was Sheila's husband's responsibility to take care of all the household expenses for their family of four. But everything changed about six months ago when the head of the household was imprisoned, and Sheila and her two children were left to fend for themselves.
Sheila thought her husband had been keeping up with all their mortgage payments, but as it turned out, he hadn't done so in a long time.
Although she works full time, she can't keep up with the $2,000-a-month mortgage and utility costs. At one point, she was so far behind on electric bills that the power was turned off.
On top of it all, her sister and nephew moved in because they lost their home, and they have been unable to pitch in much.
Sheila went to the Salvation Army for help and was able to have her electricity turned back on; she collects food from the food pantry and was able to sign up to receive Christmas gifts for her children. She is now looking for an affordable apartment.
Many people need help this year; those who are out of work, parents who are ill or have a sick child, or single parents struggling to pay rent, utilities and other necessities.
Hardships and just making ends meet may mean no extra money for gifts or a holiday meal.
The Salvation Army and the Gloucester Daily Times Holiday Fund work together to help those who need a little something extra to get their lives going again, especially around the holidays when families gather. Donations go a long way to help neighbors get going again.
Total contributions received today, $445
Total contributions to date, $783
D. H. & S. P. Cohen, Gloucester, $25
Virginia M. McArthur, Salem, $10
Stanley L. Johnson,,Marblehead, $20
Robert A. Linden, Peabody, $100
Ronnie-Sue Katz, Beverly, $30
Marilyn Carr Briggs, Rockport, $10
Mrs. Evelyn Dwinell, Topsfield, $10
Mary Gunning, Peabody, $25
Peter C. & Judy Digangi, Danvers, $50
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Desmond, Beverly, $25
Shirley Hanlon, Beverly, $5
John Madore, Middleton, $25
Jennifer Royal, Salem, $25
Mr. Bryan Corriveau, Salem, $10
Candace McMahon, Newburyport, $10
Mickey Finn, Newbury, $10
Sarah Bodge, Newbury, $10
Debbie Clark, Newburyport, $25
S. C. Thomas & J. L. Thomas, Rockport, $100
Mrs. Alison Black, Gloucester, $20
Charlene Kelly, Beverly, $5
"Richard J. Donovan Sr.," Salem, $25
Debra Latih, Peabody, $25
Ruth Lindh, Peabody, $10
Margaret Filtranti, Peabody, $20
Joan Kelley ,Middleton, $25
William Shute, Amesbury, $15
Erika & Robert Kynor, Newburyport, $100
Clarence Sielicki, Newburyport, $3
Diane Eacrett, Newbury, $10
Want to help?
To contribute, send checks payable to The Salvation Army Holiday Fund to 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915. Contributions will be recorded and recognized in the newspaper in your name, or as indicated on your enclosed check. If you wish, you may list an additional family member, school, group or corporation, or designate your gift as a memorial (please specify).
If you know of anyone who needs assistance, write to the Salvation Army Holiday Fund at the address listed above.
Do you need help?
To receive assistance, contact the Salvation Army at the following locations:
Beverly, 50 Elliott St., 978-922-4522
Salem, 93 North St., 978-744-5181
Newburyport, 40 Water St., 978-465-0883, ext. 10
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