A chance to help the most needy
By Roscoe Crenshaw
For the St. Louis American
The holiday season has arrived and, as always, the everyday needs and concerns of underserved citizens are more desperate than ever. Community Women Against Hardship (CWAH) continues its collaboration with the St. Louis American to alleviate these conditions through their People Against Poverty Campaign.
Mr. & Mrs. K. have 10 children ranging in age from six months to 17 years. While they are now moving from a substandard dwelling, all of their furniture needs to be replaced. Mrs. K works evenings from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. allowing some time to spend with her children. Mr. K is unemployed, somewhat mentally challenged and unable to read. Four of the children are home-schooled, and Mrs. K is in need of some teaching supplies and a V-Tech to aid in their education. The family’s wish list includes four sets of bunk beds, a baby bed, a sofa, kitchen chairs, a kitchen table, bed linen, towels, dishes, pots, pans and a queen-sized bed.
Ms. W. is caring for her sister’s six children. The family is barely surviving and is in need of winter clothes, boots and shoes. Educational toys and games would also enhance their Christmas, and Ms. W. said she would also like a better living space for her family.
Ms. H. is a mother of four boys and two girls. She lost her mother to lung cancer and is currently suffering from the debilitating effects of thyroid cancer, which prevents her from maintaining a job. The family’s income is very limited, but Ms. H. is hoping for a good Christmas for the children. Her wish list includes a computer, video games, learning materials, beds, a dresser, a television, clothes, shoes, coats and hats. She said a reliable form of transportation would also be greatly appreciated.
Ms. B. is a single mother of three girls and one boy. Her sole income is food stamps, and she receives assistance from family members, such as hand-me-down clothes and shoes. Still, Ms. B is in need of clothes and shoes for the entire family and pampers for her baby girl.
Ms. R. suffered a stroke in December 2005 and returned to work in May 2006. Four months later, she had her breast surgically removed due to cancer, and she completed radiation treatment in October. She currently has no income and has two daughters and a grandson living with her.
Ms. H. is a single woman with full custody of a 12-year-old boy whose parents have been incarcerated since he was 10 months old. Despite this situation, the child is smart, respectful and outgoing and even plays little league football. However, it is difficult to get to school and football games on public transportation. Ms. H needs clothes, shoes, coats, underclothes and football gear and would like games, a football and a basketball.
Ms. A. is currently struggling with debt. She recently moved to a handicap-accessible apartment to accommodate the use of her electric scooter/wheelchair, to which she is confined because of chronic pain. Rent, medical expenses and household needs largely consume her Social Security and SSI income. Ms. A has a son in college and would appreciate any assistance.
If you would like to assist any of these cases by providing supplies or monetary support, please contact CWAH at (314) 289-7523. Make checks payable to “Community Women Against Hardship.” CWAH is located at 3963 West Belle Place, St. Louis, MO 63108.