This year, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels' Adopt-A-Family program plans to assist more than 300 families with food, clothing and other essentials to be presented in gift baskets on Dec. 16.
Among the most desired items are warm clothing, blankets, furniture and toys, as well as canned and/or boxed foods and school supplies. Cash contributions are also welcome to assist families, some of whose stories are described below.
For information on donations or assisting as a volunteer, contact Lydia Gamboa, (213) 637-7501, or visit www.olacathedral.org, and click on the Adopt-A-Family link on the home page.
Family #A727: For single mom Yesenia, Christmas is a very sad time for her and her five children. Four years ago her husband died of a massive heart attack on Christmas Eve, and after his death life took a turn she never expected. They now live in a two-bedroom apartment in a building with no heat in downtown Los Angeles. She told us that the adjustments have been hard and having to work long hours in the Flower Mart downtown has been especially hard for her and her the children. But she counts her blessings that they are all healthy and together as a family. "Money will be tight again this year and any assistance that can be given to us will be much appreciated."
Family #A702: Roberto has his hands full with two young sons ages 4 and 6. His youngest is undergoing chemo treatment for liver cancer. While we interviewed him, he sat so quietly. The only time his face lit up was when we asked what would he like Santa to bring him: with a big smile he told us he loved Superman toys. Roberto told us he has to work long hours to help cover all the medical expenses. He asked if we could bring the boys jackets for winter; he knows that is something they need badly, and unfortunately there is just no extra money this year.
Family #A776: For the Cruz family, living in the one room apartment with a community style bathroom and kitchen --- which they share with eight other families --- has been hard on their two children, ages 11 and 9. The father says he does not allow the children to play outside of the building due to gangs and elements that are just not safe. "I wish my children had an area to play in," he says. "There are very few parks in downtown and I only allow them to go when I am with them. I pray that I had a better job to move out, but right now working long hours in the sewing factory is all I have to put a roof over our heads." He asked if we could bring blankets; the winter months are approaching and they have no heat in their building.
Family #A737: For Patricia, living with her two daughters, a son-in-law and a grandson in a one-room apartment has been a struggle. She and her son-in- law work in the garment district to pay the rent. They do not make enough money to move to a bigger apartment. And since their apartment is so small they do not have enough room to have any beds, they all sleep on the floor. They asked if we could bring sleeping bags and comforters to sleep on to make the floor softer and warmer this winter. |