Christmas Connection, Day 13: Families battle homelessness, fires and hurricanes
Over the next two weeks, the Tallahassee Democrat is partnering with Catholic Charities on the Christmas Connection to spotlight local families who need help this Christmas. Donations will be taken through Dec. 17. Here's how you can help.
"Donations are down this year," said Mary Coburn, who handles community outreach for the Christmas Connection. “We greatly need food, toys, blankets, diapers, and pots and pans. We appreciate the community's continued support.”
CASE # 213: Parents of 2 find home, jobs
PERSONAL DETAILS
These parents of 2 were homeless until securing housing in Tallahassee. While homeless, they lost everything they owned. The parents have now found jobs but are still trying to catch up on bills that are past due. Christmas gifts would help this family reduce stress and provide for their children.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Washer and dryer, TV, pots and pans, gas grill, clothing gift card, Toddler bed and mattress
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 28
Suggested gifts: Tablet, blender, food processor, painting supplies and canvas, bath and body set
Father, Age 30
Suggested gifts: Xbox controller and games
Son, Age 8
Suggested gifts: Tablet, Tee Turtle reversible octopus plushie, magnet blocks, Nutty toys 8 pk. (sensory toys), desk, loft bed, toys and books
Son, Age 1
Suggested gifts: Fisher Price basketball hoop and ball, trucks, balls, Shrek, educational toys and books
Holiday giving: Christmas Connection, Day 12: Help young moms, grandmother with cancer, teens, toddlers
CASE # 223: Housefires put family in travel trailer
PERSONAL DETAILS
This family has suffered 2 house fires, one in Eastpoint in 2018 when the controlled burn got out of control and then another while living in a FEMA trailer. They are now living in a travel trailer that was all that they could afford. The oldest child has a disability and all 3 boys struggle in school. The oldest son’s mother died by suicide in 2019, so the family would appreciate some help.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Clothing (for boys that was lost in fire) (the boys’ sizes are available if donor is willing), food, gas card, blankets (5 full/queen), toiletries
FAMILY MEMBERS
Father, Age 36
Suggested gifts: Sporting goods, outdoor gear, household items
Partner, Age 26
Suggested gifts: Queen comforter set with sheets (likes purple), household items
Son, Age 16
Suggested gifts: Tablet, teen gifts, books and games
Son, Age 13
Suggested gifts: Tablet, teen gifts, books and games
Son, Age 7
Suggested gifts: 20” bike and helmet, remote control car, handheld and board games, balls
Holiday giving: Christmas Connection, Day 11: Family derailed by accident, grandparents under stress
CASE # 243: Family of 8 needs blankets
PERSONAL DETAILS
This family of 8 has struggled financially and recently moved to reduce costs that have escalated. The 5-year-old daughter is developmentally delayed and receives speech and physical therapy. The parents work at Waffle House. They have missed the last 2 Christmases and Thanksgivings due to finances. They hope to celebrate with their children this year.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blankets (4 twin, 4 full queen), food, toiletries
FAMILY MEMBERS
Mother, Age 34
Suggested gifts: Pots and pans, silverware, glasses, toaster oven
Father, Age 31
Suggested gifts: Sporting goods, video games
Daughter, Age 5
Suggested gifts: 16” Bike with training wheels and helmet, educational toys, games and books
Daughter, Age 4
Suggested gifts: African American baby doll, books, educational games and toys
Daughter, Age 8
Suggested gifts: Tablet, board games, play make up and nails
Daughter, Age 12
Suggested gifts: 24” Bike and helmet, board games, body spray/perfume
Daughter, Age 1
Suggested gifts: Learning toys and games, books
Daughter, Age 16
Suggested gifts: Tablet, body spray/perfume, Chick-fil-A card
Son, Age 17
Suggested gifts: Basketball, football, hair clippers video games
CASE # 252: Family lost home in Hurricane Michael
PERSONAL DETAILS
This family lost their home during Hurricane Michael and is still trying to get back on its feet. They have been living with various family and friends and are now living with a grandmother. As the parents try to get life back in order, they would love assistance to have Christmas for their family.
CRITICAL ITEMS
Blankets (1 twin, 4 full/queen)
FAMILY MEMBERS
Grandmother, Age 61
Suggested gifts: Pots and pans, cups, kitchenware
Mother, Age 37
Suggested gifts: 4 Heaters
Father, Age 39
Suggested gifts: Towels, laundry detergent
Daughter, Age 15
Suggested gifts: Arts and crafts, especially painting, silver jewelry
Son, Age 5
Suggested gifts: Superhero toys (Batman and Spiderman), Sonic the hedgehog, building sets, books
How to help
Donate in person: Drop off donated items at the Christmas Connection site at 309 South Bronough Street (corner of Bronough and Pensacola, bottom level of Kleman Plaza). The site is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Days of operation are Nov. 26-Dec. 17. Deadline for donated items is Dec. 11.
Wish List: Shop early and shop easy with the Christmas Connection Amazon wish list. You can view the wish list at the website TheChristmasConnection.org.
Blanket Days: Drop off new blankets and heaters from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the 309 South Bronough location. A volunteer will help you unload your car. Additional dropoff locations: thechristmasconnection.org
Donate online or by mail: Make a monetary donation online at TheChristmasConnection.org or send a check to Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316.
Adopt a family: Complete a brief request form on the website and a family in need will be assigned to you by the volunteer adoption coordinator. All families are referred to us from social service organizations in the Big Bend area.
Host a Christmas Connection collection drive or holiday party: Gather people from your office, school, church, sports team, family or friends and host a party or collection drive. Sign up online on the website and then collect gift items, gift cards and/or monetary donations, which can be brought to the collection site.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Christmas Connection, Day 13: Give pots and pans, gift cards, tablets
