Since 1970, readers of the Neosho Daily News have been helping the less fortunate through the paper’s Share Your Christmas program.
This year, through the help of local minister Myrna Marble, three families have been selected. Each family faces health issues and is in dire financial straits.
Family No. 1: This young family has two children and is expecting another around New Year’s Day. Because of serious health issues, the mother is unable to work, and the family has had to make several trips to St. Louis for treatment of a rare blood disorder the mother and oldest daughter have. Medical expenses have put a strain on the household budget, and the family is in danger of losing their home.
The oldest daughter wears a size 8 in both pants and shirts and a size 13 shoe. The younger daughter wears size 24-month clothing and N-4 shoes.
The family says any type of help would be greatly appreciated.
Family No. 2: This single father has two children in school and has struggled with health issues since birth.
“Circumstances deserves special attention at this time of year,” Marble said. “This family is in great need of just about everything.”
The family needs a washer and dryer in good working condition. They are also in need of reliable transportation, as their old “clunker” doesn’t run very well.
The oldest child, a boy, is a freshman in school and wears a medium in shirts, a 29/32 in pants and a size 11 shoe. The youngest is a 7-year-old girl wears a 7/8 slim in pants and tops and a size 2 shoe.
Family No. 3: This is a young family and Marble said both parents were hard workers. The husband has health issues and recently had to have surgery “so Christmas will be very slim this year,” Marble said.
The couple has 3-year-old twin boys and an older girl. The boys wear a size 4/5 slim and the girl wears a size 6 slim.
This family also has medical bills they need help with.
Donations are being taken through 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Daily News office, 1006 W. Harmony in Neosho. Distribution will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
