Hello, and thank you so much for taking a moment to read my message. I’m a mom of four amazing children, and I’m reaching out this Christmas season with a humble heart asking for help – both with food and Christmas gifts for my children. I have spent multiple days googling and searching resources for Christmas assistance, and that is what led me here to The Dear Santa Society, writing this letter.

This year has been incredibly hard for us. After working for the United States Postal Service for over a decade, I took some time off to have my last child. Unfortunately I had some post birth complications as well as severe Postpartum Depression and was forced onto disability. A year after I had lost the majority of my income, I lost my husband, the father of my children, as well. I’ve been doing everything I can to make ends meet, but between bills, mortgage, and daily essentials, there’s just not enough left for anything extra. I never imagined I’d be in a position where I’d have to ask for help, but I want my children to have a Christmas that feels special – a day where they can smile, play, and feel hope. A day that feels kind of like our old normal.

My children mean everything to me:

My 13-year-old daughter Shiloh is in 6^th grade and she is has a 3.8 GPA. I cannot even begin to say how proud I am of her with everything that has happened to us in the past two years. She absolutely loves K-Pop and fashion. Her favorite K-Pop bands are Stray Kids, BigBang, & BTS. She is also a fan of an anime called DemonSlayer. She’s a little picky about her clothes and loves picking them out herself, but any gift card or clothing assistance would make her Christmas so bright.

My 6-year-old daughter Giada was recently diagnosed autistic, she just started Kindergarten this year, and has the biggest heart – everyone that ever comes across her path says she’s the sweetest thing ever. She adores unicorns, Aphmau squishies (found at Target or Walmart), Squishmallows, Barbies, and Barbie Dream House. She could really use new clothes (size 7/8) and wears a kids’ shoe size 12.

My 5-year-old son Luca, is in his 3^rd year of Preschool (he just missed the age cut off for Kindergarten). He is absolutely brilliant and loves anything with wheels or blocks – Hot Wheels, Legos, and remote-control cars are his favorites! He has really been wanting a remote control helicopter or drone. He’s been a pretty big fan of Buzz Lightyear for three years now! He also needs clothes (size 5T/6) and wears a kids’ shoe size 12.

My 1-year-old son Leo is full of energy and joy. He loves Ms. Rachel, Fisher-Price Little People sets, Lego Duplo toys, indoor/outdoor slide, ball pit, and anything he can stack and knock over! He could really use clothes (size 18–24 months) and developmental toys like the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Mix & Learn DJ Table.

More than anything, I’d love to have food for a warm Christmas meal and a few small gifts so my kids can wake up smiling on Christmas morning. Every little bit helps and means more than I can express.

Thank you for reading, and thank you to anyone who chooses to help. Your kindness would bring so much joy to my family and remind us that even in hard times, there are still good people in the world. I promise that one day, when I’m back on my feet, I’ll pay that kindness forward.

With hope and gratitude,

Kara

• Listing ID: 14805
• My City: Youngstown

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