I am a single mother who has been working and
raising children for almost 30 years. Six months ago I became
ill and have been unable to work.
Two weeks before Christmas I went out to a
doctor's appointment at 11 am and returned home at 1:30 pm to
find my apartment had been broken into.
The intruder or intruders stole gifts along
with all my girl's CDs and a portable stereo. I have no
apartment insurance.
I received my final unemployment check that
week and decided to hold off on a few bills to try to buy a
few
things for my girls and my grandchildren.
While I was shopping, a man bumped into me and I dropped a few
things I was about to purchase. A woman helped me pick things
up and I proceeded to the cash only to find my wallet had been
stolen from my purse.
I am sure the person who bumped into me is
the person who stole my wallet. However, there is absolutely
nothing that could be done.
Once I arrived home I cried for hours. There
was no money for gifts or even for a half decent meal for
Christmas. I decided to swallow my pride and started calling
different organizations to get some help.
I called family services and the Red Cross
only to be told I needed to have applied for a food basket in
November. My daughters are too old to receive gifts.
I certainly hope who ever robbed my family of
their Christmas really enjoys it. I have learned that it does
not matter how hard you work, when you are down and out and
desperate like I am, there is absolutely no help and so
it seems no one cares.
(Name withheld)