A mom starting over in Texas turns to Goodfellows for help | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Nicole is amazed by her 5-year-old daughter who “already knows her purpose in life is to dance and care for others.”

Not only is her daughter articulate enough to make her life plans known, the girl is so talented and smart that her mom believes she can achieve any goal she sets her mind to.

Unfortunately, Nicole’s plan to give her daughter the best chance of succeeding — by moving to Texas a year ago — didn’t perform well against the realities of starting over. She has to work overtime just to keep up with the bills, which takes time away from her daughter and still falls short of having enough for comfort.

“After actually getting a place on our own, the plan I had to maintain our living situation only got worse,” Nicole said. “This is the time of year where stress levels are at an all-time high. And my daughter is at an age where she can’t understand why Mommy can’t afford to give her a Christmas.”

A $50 JC Penney gift card will help Nicole make sure that whatever life has in store for her daughter is less likely to include shivering. A thrifty shopper can put some warmth on her kid with the sales that are coming.

This year’s $750,000 Goodfellow Fund goal is intended to serve 12,000 of Tarrant County’s school-age chidlren.

Be a jolly Goodfellow

Since 1912, the Star-Telegram’s Goodfellow Fund has provided practical gifts for schoolchildren. Join this tradition by sending a contribution to Goodfellows, Box 1870, Fort Worth, TX 76101. Or go online to goodfellowfund.org and make a secure credit card donation.