Unemployed single parent struggles to make ends meet

Donations for Toybox can be dropped off at the Southeast Missourian office at 301 Broadway and should include the name of their recipient. Those who wish to donate cash or a check should make it payable to Toybox, P.O. Box 4, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702.

Help single mother

Cathy has faith that her situation will get better. Until recently, her job at a fast-food restaurant and public assistance allowed her to pay for utilities, rent, car insurance, day care and food. Since the day she became pregnant with her daughter, Kaye, now 3 years old, her baby's father has been unavailable. Recently he was released from prison, and Cathy tried to apply for child support. In desperation she asked him for help first, but he failed to comply. No progress has been made in receiving child support.

Cathy was no longer able to work at her job when they switched her shift to evenings from days. Unable to get child care for Kaye, Cathy had to quit. "I have been looking for a job for a few months now, and so far nobody's called."

Cathy really has nobody to ask for help. Although her mom lives in the area, she is unable to help with caring for Kaye because of recovery from recent back surgery. Family members, including her mom and dad, are also under similar financial strain.

"This year we may not get a Christmas tree," Cathy said, adding she hasn't done anything for Christmas. Paying bills on time comes first.

Kaye is excited about Christmas and Santa Claus. "When we go to the store she looks at the Christmas trees and lights," said her mom. "She has been asking for a rocking horse."

Other wishes on 3-year-old Kaye's Christmas list are Barbies, SpongeBob Operation, Bratz doll, skates, a microphone, crayons and an easel for painting.

Four children, one salary

Taylor, 10 months old, has clothes that have been passed down from her cousins, but her twin brothers, age 2, are still playing with toys most siblings would be able to share. It's hard on Michael, their dad, who stays at home with the children while their mom Anna Marie works as a CNA at a local nursing home. Out of work for about a month, Michael would much rather be working, but he's had no luck at finding a job. It is the first time the family has applied for Toybox. Stretching one salary to accommodate five people is already hard -- the extra expense to provide Christmas is just not attainable. Michael said he wants to encourage Taylor's growth and development, knowing that babies learn at an astronomical rate during their first year, but is unable to provide educational toys.

Anna Marie suggested toys with lights or black dolls for Taylor.

Ten-year-old Dennis is the most ready for Christmas, his dad said. "He's been hinting around about Santa," he said. Remote control cars, games, Floam and a bike are on his Christmas wish list.

Suggestions for the twins, Tristan and Trevor, include educational, age-appropriate toys, bikes and basketball goals.

Michael said they applied for help from Toybox because most of their family members are in the same situation, and the help they've received is not ongoing. They have families and problems of their own, he said.