Special Needs Challenge Young and Old Alike

Living with a Developmental Disability presents challenges in basic daily living. Add financial struggles and additional health concerns and these challenges are multiplied.

Mr. R is challenged with developmental disabilities and is facing dialysis for kidney failure. With a small Social Security check as his only source of income, his medical expenses and basic living needs are difficult to cover from month to month. For this Christmas Holiday, Mr. R has requested a Queen size comforter set and sheets, blue jeans (size 32) and cleaning supplies; including a mop, broom and dust pan. Gift cards to Walmart or JCPenney's would be appreciated to help cover the cost of additional needs.

"Cassie" is a 6 year old little girl living with Mental Retardation. Her family works hard to give her a "normal" childhood and raise her to reach her fullest potential. Cassie's parents struggle financially due to hardships in unemployment over the course of the past three years. In addition to "Cassie", they are raising an 8 year old little boy, "Jack", and a 12 year old girl, "Marie". On their list for Santa this year, the children have requested lego sets for girls and boys, Crayola Art Sets, jewelry-making kits, Disney Princesses, and Ninja Turtles.

With less than two weeks to go in the Toybox drive, donations have been slow coming in to our drop locations. Please consider giving to the children or Toybox or the Elderly of our Christmas projects this holiday season. A full list of locations accepting donations can be found in past entries to this blog or monetary donations can be made at the Southeast Missourian or mailed to PO Box 4, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702. Thank you for your continued support!