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Needy families not assured holiday toys, food

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer 9:50 PM Monday, November 2, 2009

The Hamilton mother of six is unemployed and was homeless last month.

So the thought of providing her children Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings and toys under the tree for Christmas seemed impossible.

“I’ve struggled for many years with Christmas. My brother had bought gifts for them every year, but he’s been laid off, too,’’ said Nannie, who asked not to be identified further to protect her children. “It’s a struggle every year with six kids.’’

Nannie is now a client of Mercy Franciscan at St. Raphael and, like many others, is hoping to get a boost this Thanksgiving and Christmas from donations to the Butler County Holiday Community Project.

The holiday project is a group of nine nonprofit agencies that rely on sponsors to help provide food and toys to struggling families.

But because of the recession, a record number of families are expected to register for help at a time when many would-be sponsors are struggling. So far, the number of needy families seeking sponsors for food baskets and Christmas gifts is up 74 percent compared to the same time last year.

Tina Osso, director of Shared Harvest Foodbank in Fairfield and coordinator of the holiday project, fears the number of needy families may again outpace sponsors of the project .

“For the first time last year, we were not able to serve everybody that applied and that was just as the recession was beginning to hit hard for everybody,” Osso said.

“Now that we’ve had a year of it, we’re very concerned that we’ll be able to raise the resources for it because so many more families are going to need help.’’

Maurice Maxwell, executive director of Family Service of Middletown, said his agency has registered 300 families since Oct. 14.

The number of intakes will increase “without a doubt,’’ Maxwell said. “We’re seeing demand for services increase. We’re about 21 percent ahead of where we were last year and a lot of the requests are from new applicants.’’

Holiday project officials expect to serve more than 3,000 this year, up 15 percent from last year when officials served 2,600.

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ide love have baby but im not so blessed if u alll know of baby need home plez tell me i dont have all adopt fees but baby be loved an well took care of.ty

misty cabell
12:22 AM, 11/20/2009

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Barb i feel for you and your children.I first hand know excatly how you feel.I am a single mother of 7 I still have 6 children at home. I have worked since ive been 15 years old.That is when my first child was born.I am not sure how my children will have christmas this year but some how some way I will manage.I dont feel that it is right for the thing people are saying on here about you.They dont knowyou or how it feels not being able to provide for your children.Good luck and God will provide.

Tonya
9:38 AM, 11/13/2009

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And trust me, i know all about things not being planned and things spiraling out of control but 6 kids? that is very much so preventable! All i was saying is, If you can not afford 6 kids, dont have them! I'm 23 with 3 kids and do not look for handouts any where. I also made sure after my 3rd kid to have my tubes tied so my kids would not have to ever go without. People have options. I understand it's hard to get a job but im sure Mcdonald's is always hiring and you gotta do hat you gotta do!

just a thought
10:26 PM, 11/4/2009

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To megan- Never said she should have abortions but come on! There is birth control and once you have three kids, you have the option to have your tubes tied. The government will even pay for it! Agree's with megan- I have three kids of my own, please believe i do live in the real world! I am 23 and have three kids and make **** sure my kids never go without. I do have a heart and compassion for the ones who have heart and compassion for themselves and their kids. (cont)

Just a Thought
10:23 PM, 11/4/2009

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There are quite a few programs available that would provide Christmas presents for children. NO child would have to go without Christmas if their parent would just notify those who can help. I'm sorry to say this, but it doesn't sound like Barb wants to see her kids have Christmas. It sounds like she'd rather attempt to make people feel sorry for her with a sad story. Barb, just make a phone call. Take care of those kids instead of making them suffer. NoPityParty is right. Be a Mother.

Help is out there
5:06 PM, 11/3/2009

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