EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA
Mobile Beta
Merrimack Valley
Parents of five work within budget but have little extra
Published: December 20, 2007
Raising five children is hard work, but Jessica and Sam do the best they can.
They manage all year to stay within a budget to make sure everyone is well-fed and clothed, while keeping the utility bills and rent paid.
A few recent setbacks, however, including rising heating bills, have thrown their budget off track.
The loving parents know that the most important things they can give their children are nutritious food and a warm, safe home, so they are spending what money they have on necessities.
But they pray that none of the children becomes sick this winter. Even with health insurance, their copayments and out-of-pocket expenses would wipe out what little they might be able to put aside.
As much as they would like to see their children ripping open packages on Christmas morning, they know that wouldn't be the responsible thing to do. They have tried to lower the children's expectations for toys or new clothes, but it's been hard. Little ones don't understand the financial pressures on adults.
Your donation to The Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund will put a toy under the tree for Sam and Jessica's children and a trinket or two in each of their stockings - and for one day relieve the pressures on two parents doing the best they can.
BOX
How to give
Donations may be sent by mail or in person and are accepted in cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
Donations can also be mailed to: Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845 or 181 Merrimack St., Haverhill, MA 01830.
They manage all year to stay within a budget to make sure everyone is well-fed and clothed, while keeping the utility bills and rent paid.
A few recent setbacks, however, including rising heating bills, have thrown their budget off track.
The loving parents know that the most important things they can give their children are nutritious food and a warm, safe home, so they are spending what money they have on necessities.
But they pray that none of the children becomes sick this winter. Even with health insurance, their copayments and out-of-pocket expenses would wipe out what little they might be able to put aside.
As much as they would like to see their children ripping open packages on Christmas morning, they know that wouldn't be the responsible thing to do. They have tried to lower the children's expectations for toys or new clothes, but it's been hard. Little ones don't understand the financial pressures on adults.
Your donation to The Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund will put a toy under the tree for Sam and Jessica's children and a trinket or two in each of their stockings - and for one day relieve the pressures on two parents doing the best they can.
BOX
How to give
Donations may be sent by mail or in person and are accepted in cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
Donations can also be mailed to: Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845 or 181 Merrimack St., Haverhill, MA 01830.
