As of Dec. 3, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels' Adopt-A-Family program for 2007 plans to assist 369 families with food, clothing and other essentials to be presented in gift baskets on Dec. 15.
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 (213) 680-8766, or visit www.olacathedral.org, and click on the Adopt-A-Family link on the home page.
Family #T900: For Victor and his two children, this year has been a challenge. His wife was recently sent to re-hab, leaving him to care for their two children; they live in a one-room apartment in downtown Los Angeles. Victor asked for nothing for himself, "just gifts for my children so they may have a happy Christmas." The children asked for a jacket for their dad --- and, they added, could we send a present to their mother?
Family #T910: For the Erickson family, moving to Los Angeles from the Midwest two years after the father lost his job was their dream come true. Unfortunately, the father has been unable to find a steady job here. They live in a two-room apartment with their own kitchen and bathroom in downtown Los Angeles. They feel very fortunate to have a roof over their heads and were happy when we knocked at their door. "We did not know what we were going to tell our children when Christmas morning comes around, as we have no extra money for Christmas," the parents told us. "We just have enough to pay rent and put groceries on the table. Thank you for any presents you can bring our children."
Family #T922: Young Aaron (age 18) is working part-time at McDonalds to put himself through his first year at a community college. Sharing a twin bed with his younger brother does not bother him at all, considering what his family has endured. His family lives in a one-room apartment with a community-style bathroom and kitchen which they share with four other families --- and that is a blessing, because for the past two years the two brothers and parents slept on the floor, until six months ago when they were able to afford two twin beds. When asked what we could help them with, the mother requested a portable heater since their building has no heating or air conditioning system.
Family #T928: For the Flores family --- a single mom with three children --- living in a small, 10-by-12 room with a community-style kitchen and bathroom is very hard. They all share a full-size bed and make sure they take care of one and another when they are at home and at school. When we asked the mother how we can help at Christmas time, she replied, "Anything anyone wants to give us." They would be most grateful for any food, clothes and blankets. |