The young mother (Case B7) welcomed a new son last month, but amid her joy at Jonnie's healthy birth came renewed sorrow at the loss of her husband, Robert, earlier this year. Susan must not only cope with the thought that Jonnie will never meet his father, but also that she is left to raise and provide for her two children all by herself.
Susan has struggled to pay her rent and utility bills since her husband's unexpected death. She has done her very best to provide a stable home for Jonnie and his 5-year-old sister, Lizzie.
Susan plans to return to work as quickly as she is able. She would love nothing more than to be able to give her children a joyous Christmas in what has been an otherwise rough year. That's why she has turned to Operation Holiday, and our readers, for help.
Now in its 36th year, Operation Holiday is a partnership between the Woman's Club of Morristown and the Daily Record.
In conjunction with more than 20 social service agencies, Operation Holiday, with help from our readers, works to brighten the holidays of Morris County's needy by providing necessary items they cannot afford and by granting some of their very special wishes. Each day until Christmas, we will share with you the stories of those helped by Operation Holiday.
Lizzie, who loves to learn, would enjoy any educational toys and art supplies, as well as warm pajamas, tops and pants in girls size 6. Jonnie could use winter outfits in size 6 months and any appropriate developmental toys.
Susan would appreciate gift certificates to a local grocery store to aid in providing for her children.
Sonia (Case B-9) is doing all she can to build a new life for herself and her two young sons. The family was left homeless when Sonia fled her abusive husband, but they have since moved through the shelter system and into a new apartment. Sonia hopes this holiday will be the first of many happy ones for her and the boys.
Sonia would love some new clothes and a few special gifts for her sons. Alex, 4, could use shirts, sweatshirts and jeans in size 5-6 and sneakers in size 3. Mark, 6, could use new clothes in size 8-9 and sneakers in size 5. Both boys love cars and trucks and would enjoy any age-appropriate movies.
Sonia would appreciate kitchen supplies and curtains to help make her apartment a home.
Mary (Case V-4) will spend her first holiday alone this year, and finds herself in a homeless shelter as she attempts to put her life back together. The physically disabled 61-year-old recently was abandoned by her husband, and is struggling with depression as she comes to term with the loss of her marriage. She has a limited income and has no children or family to support her.
Mary would love new clothes: pants in size 3, shirts and a winter coat in women's size small, and shoes in women's size 3½ Wearing makeup and jewelry helps brighten Mary's day, and she enjoys reading motivational books by Joel Osteen. A Wal-Mart gift card would help her buy personal care items.
Contributions to this year's Operation Holiday campaign can be mailed to Operation Holiday, P.O. Box 6382, Parsippany, N.J. 07054. Donations are tax-deductible, and every penny goes to help the needy of Morris County. All administrative costs are covered by the sponsors, and all work is done with the help of volunteers.
