When I picture Christmas morning, I hear all four of my kids laughing together. I picture each of them opening something picked out just for them, then sitting down together for a dinner I cooked. That’s the Christmas I’m asking for a little help to give them this year.

I’m a mom of four, ages 8, 10, 15, and 23. Several of my children have disabilities, and so do I. I work as a lunch lady at an elementary school because the schedule lets me be there for medical appointments, IEP meetings, and weekly therapy. I also deliver food, help older neighbors with cleaning and errands, and fill out paid surveys. Sometimes I bring home something someone left at the curb, clean it up, and sell it on Facebook Marketplace. Those little bits of income help us get by. This year, there’s very little left for Christmas.

Last year, my 10-year-old found his father after he died in the bathtub. I was six when I found my own mother after she died on the laundry room floor. I wish I could reach back and hold that little girl sometimes. Now I get to hold my son. He’s had hard days at school, too. Kids have picked on him for being autistic, for his size, and for how he expresses himself and his preference in gender identity. Some have even teased him about losing his dad. His child support stopped when his father died, and I was recently told the survivor benefits I’m waiting on won’t come through in time for Christmas. I’d love for him to have a morning where he can laugh and just be a kid.

My 8-year-old daughter is autistic, and I’m proud of how determined she is. I’d love to see her excitement when she realizes there’s a gift under the tree with her name on it. My 15-year-old was recently diagnosed with a learning delay, and we’ve been told that a cyst on his brain could cause him to lose his vision completely along with seizures. It’s been hard to watch him carry so much worry. I’d love to see his face light up on Christmas morning.

My oldest is 23. He’s pursuing music, works part time alongside me at the school, and helps care for his two autistic siblings through a New Jersey program. I see how much he does for our family. I’d love for him to unwrap a little something and have a moment to feel cared for, too.

If you’re able to help, I’d be grateful for a small gift for any of my kids or groceries for Christmas dinner. Everyday supplies would help just as much. Between bedwetting and diaper changes, I do laundry seven days a week, and the cost of detergent, cleaning supplies, and sometimes replacing a mattress adds up. A bottle of laundry detergent would still be helping us long after Christmas morning.

Thank you for reading and for considering our family. God bless you, and happy holidays to you and yours.

A Mom of Four in Burlington County, New Jersey

• Listing ID: 20135
• My City: Delanco

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