DEAR CHRISTINE,
I AM A MOTHER of eight children, three of whom are still at school – two at primary school and one at secondary school. I have been finding it really hard to make ends meet.
My husband and I separated over four years ago because of domestic abuse and he does not support any of us.
It is alright when there is school because I can always fall back on school meals to assist when it comes to feeding the children who are at school. Now, with schools on vacation, I do not know where I am going to get the first meal to give them.
Two of my older children who live with me cannot find a job and so I am the sole breadwinner in the house. I do not work for a big pay as I am only a general worker in Government. Many days we go without food – and that’s the honest truth, and many times the utilities are cut off because with my small salary I am unable to keep up with the payments.
Christine, it seems like everything in the supermarkets have gone up, not to mention the utility bills and so I am left many days just wishing that my children and I could enjoy a better life. It is only by God’s grace that I am holding on.
Please do not ask me about family because they all have their own households to deal with. Friends? There are none that I can call on to help me. Right now, you are my last hope. I do not know where else to turn. I feel my pain almost every day, but more-so on Sundays when most families are sitting down having a good meal.
As far as school supplies are concerned I have no idea where they will come from. I need uniforms for the children, shoes, socks, books – everything. I have nothing Christine. How can a person come to be in a state like this, where all you feel like doing is giving up? However, for the sake of my children I will hang in there and hope that you or your readers would come to our rescue. We are a loving, together family but right now we cannot help ourselves.
Please help us dear Christine. Please help us somebody!
– In Dire Need
Dear In Dire Need,
Every week there are families like yours who are brought to my attention and I try to do my utmost best to help. I constantly have to make it absolutely clear that my ability to help comes from the response and assistance of individuals who reach out to lend a helping hand, as well as organizations or business houses.
There are many times when I fall short of food items and I am unable to supply food as I would like to.
Even sometimes when help is given, It cannot be given consistently even though the needs are many and the families warrant consistent help – at least for a period of time.
I will do whatever I can to assist you while once again asking readers to give whatever little they can. I will also call on the Variety Club to assist you with those much needed uniforms.
I shall be making contact with you very soon. Hang in there!
– CHRISTINE
