To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Jen.  I am a 27 year old single mother of 4.  (Abigail 5, Zachariah 4, Christopher 3, and Joshua 1) I was fired from my job nearly 2 months ago because I left work in the middle of my shift to pick up my son, who was sick at the time, from school.  I've not been able to find work that is willing to work around my need to get off when one of the kids is sick, or needs to go to the doctor.  I am currently receiving unemployment, but because it is less than half of what I was making while working, I am not able to make ends meet.  I am a hard worker when there's work to be done.  I believe in working hard for what you have.  It allows you to appreciate what you have, even more.

I have enrolled myself in Nursing School.  Classes are set to begin January 16, 2007.  I will not be able to attend school, work, and be a mother to my children, all at the same time (childcare is my drawback).  If there is anyone that is willing to provide financial assistance to my family, during the next 7 months, I would greatly appreciate it.  Upon completion of my Nursing Program in June, I will have received enough training, to work in a profession that pays no less than $16/hr. 

My children and I have had a year of ups and downs.  Thirteen months ago we became victims of domestic violence.  I immediately had my husband arrested, and taken to jail.  Finding a steady job since then, has been a real issue for me, since I am only 1 person to my 4 children.  When something happens to one of them, I am the only one available to tend to their needs.  At one point this year, I was working 30 hours a week, just to pay the childcare bill, leaving barely anything, if at all, for the rest of my bills and food.  I have borrowed money here and there, but am at the point that I cannot borrow anymore, because I cannot say when I'll be able to pay it back. 

I want to make something of myself, and prove to my kids that regardless of how bad things get, as long as you have faith, and believe in yourself, you can rise above it all, and achieve your dreams and goals.  I want my kids to be able to see me graduate in June.  I want to make them proud.  I want to make myself proud.  I know that I can get through the rough times.  There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm going straight for it.

I believe in "Paying It Forward".  Meaning, when someone helps me out, I "Pay It Forward" by helping out 3 other people.  I hope to be at a point this time next year, where I am able to help out several other families for the holidays.   

If there's anyone that can help my family and I in our time of need, we will forever be greatful to your kind and selfless acts of generosity.  From my family to yours, God Bless & Merry Christmas!