Grandmother believes this could be last year she needs Goodfellows help

If Maria gets the job she expects, 2019 will be the last year she asks for help from the Goodfellow Fund.

“The future looks wonderful,” said the 62-year-old grandmother who, for 11 years, has had custody of two of her daughter’s children. “By next year I’m looking to start a job. I had shoulder surgery that kept me back for a few years. But I’m a lot better now. This could be the last year that I use Goodfellows. I may even be able to donate next year.”

In the meantime, the century-old charity once again is providing $50 J.C. Penney gift cards for the now 15-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy.

“This is the fourth year that Goodfellow Fund has helped,” Maria said. “They would not have a Christmas without this.”

The children were taken from their parents by Child Protective Services, Maria said, because their mom was a homeless drug abuser and their dad had a heart condition that made taking care of them difficult.

“Their situation hasn’t changed in 11 years,” Maria said. “It may have gotten worse. I wouldn’t know because there’s been no contact from them.”

Just providing shelter and nourishment isn’t easy with only Social Security and food stamps for income. But Maria is determined to decorate a Christmas tree they’ve been using for six years. Unfortunately, the kids need new clothes now. So the pants and shirts she got on sale — “I can find things for as little as $2.99, and I use coupons.” — won’t be under that tree.

“I’ll put it up after Thanksgiving, but there won’t be any presents under it until I can make a trip to the dollar store,” she said.

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, 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 visit goodfellowfundfw.com to make a secure credit card donation.