Shirley, a woman who lives in Independence Township, can’t afford Christmas presents for her 10-year-old daughter this year.
She had some money to spare, so she decided to try to use it to purchase an ad in the Clarkston News.
It would have said something like ‘Single disabled mother needs toys from Santa for 10-year-old daughter.?
‘I didn’t know what else to do,? said Shirley, who asked that her last name not be used.
She lives with her daughter, her youngest, in a Clintonvilla manufactured home in Independence Township. Her two other children are grown.
All she had left was her pride, which she said she is also giving up by asking for help.
‘Christmas isn’t about presents ? it’s about giving. I understand that,? she said. ‘But she’s still a kid.?
She wants her daughter to believe in Santa Claus for as long as possible.
‘Everyone tells her there is no such thing as Santa,? she said. ‘I want her to believe in Santa and not grow up so soon ? I’m not trying to lie to her. I just want her to keep her childhood a little longer. I don’t want her to have to quit believing.?
She has always provided presents for her children, but back surgery and multiple sclerosis has prevented her from working this year.
‘I’d get a second job, I’d do whatever it took ? Santa would always come through,? she said.
She is receiving help from Lighthouse North, which has given her a Christmas tree, and Toys for Tots. These are great programs, she said.
‘They’re wonderful,? she said. ‘But I want to give her something she asked for ? something from Santa.?
Her daughter likes Bratz dolls, Britney Spears-type music, and Nancy Drew and Nickelodeon book series. However, her list also has much more expensive requests, like a PSP portable video game unit, bicycle, and laptop.
‘Everything costs so much ? Disability gives you enough to survive on, that’s it,? said Shirley, who has worked as a caregiver at a local hospice.
‘I don’t ask for nothing. I never have. I used to be the one who would give to everyone.?
For herself, she needs the material for a wheelchair-accessibility ramp for her home.
Anyone who would like to help Shirley and her daughter can contact her through The Clarkston News, 248-625-3370, by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22.
To make a donation to Lighthouse, call 248-620-6116. To make a donation to Toys for Tots, call 313-363-4021.