2007 People Against Poverty Campaign offers help in a season of need

from the St Louis American

By Roscoe Crenshaw

This year marks the 19th consecutive year that Community Women Against Hardship (CWAH) has partnered with the St. Louis American for its annual project to assist under-served families in the St. Louis area.

In the current climate of mortgage crises, rampant crime, overseas warfare, widespread illness, inadequate health care, benefit cuts and homelessness, the poor suffer the most devastating effects. Now is the time for those of us who have more to make a donation that will brighten some families’ holidays.

If you would care to donate, please contact CWAH at (314) 289-7523. Checks should be made out to “Community Women Against Hardship.” The CWAH Family Support Center is located at 3963 West Belle Place, St. Louis, MO 63108.

#1. Ms. W. has always worked but recently stopped temporarily due to medical problems. In addition to her five children, she is also caring for her sister’s child. Her sole financial aid comes from family and friends, and in the past two months she has received two shut-off notices for her all-electric apartment. Clearly, she is without Christmas gift funds. Her wish list includes warm clothing, shoes, linen for beds (full-size and queen), kitchen table and chairs, end tables, pots, dishes and food.

#2. Ms. E. is a single mother of a seven year-old with asthma, diabetes and ADHD whose only income is welfare. Living with her mother, she is in remission from brain cancer - a condition that has left her unable to read and only able to write on a first-grade level. Hence, she is unable to obtain a job. She is in need of a blouse, ladies’ pants and boys’ pants, shoes, underwear and a coat. Her wish list includes a storybook, toys, games, perfume and a WalMart or Payless gift card.

#3. Ms. T. is a single parent in her early 40s with seven children and two grandchildren. She has always been generous to the less fortunate and has volunteered to several non-profit organizations in the past. She has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer and has had foot surgery and now requires more foot surgery. Being wheelchair-bound and making monthly doctor visits, she has lost everything and had to file for bankruptcy. Due to insufficient funds, she was without gas last winter, and this year her low food supply required her to rely upon food pantries. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

#4. Ms. H. is the mother of four children who was victimized by false charges at her work site that have been proven unfounded. Even though she has been completely vindicated, there are obstacles to her gaining employment. Having recently completed training as a medical technician, she must now secure a lawyer and provide documentation to expunge the false negative information from her record. Meanwhile, the family has no gas and has been subsisting on a very limited income. The Christmas wish list includes food, warm children’s clothing, cleaning supplies, linens, two heaters, a Barbie Doll, a truck, a drawing pad and pencils, Christian reading books, DVDs and a coat.

#5. Ms. M. is a struggling parent, worker and student (studying X-ray technology) who is caring for her twin girls and her mother. She has no car for transportation and no insurance or money for her daughter’s eye exam and glasses and very little for food and utility bills. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

#6. Ms. M. has a son who needs food, clothes and other basics so that he can stay focused in school. Although she is employed, the bills are overwhelming. She would like pants, shirts and a computer.

#7. Ms. B. is an 18 year-old mother of a two-year-old daughter living on temporary government assistance and food stamps. Her wish list includes clothing and toys (Dora the Explorer and Winnie the Pooh).

Of course, all of these unfortunate though worthy candidates will be profoundly grateful for your expressions of generosity during this season of giving. Please contact CWAH at (314) 289-7523.