Goodfellow Fund helps mom of 5 provide something for Christmas
This is the second year that Valorie has asked for help from the Goodfellow Fund. She hopes it’s the last.
“We never know God’s timing,” said the Fort Worth mother of five. “But I know he’s going to bring us out of this.”
A financial meltdown brought on by litigation that tore apart their extended family has Valorie and her husband living paycheck to paycheck. Those checks don’t stretch far enough to buy Christmas presents for Anllely, 11, Dario, 7, Damariz, 7, Rene, 6, and Miguel, 5.
“My husband was making good money,” Valorie said. “He lost the good-paying job and had to take one that pays less. We have spent a lot of money on lawyers and court fees.”
Complicating matters, Valorie can’t work because of the time demands of caring for Dario, a special needs child.
On the positive side, Valorie is a smart shopper and is maximizing the value of $50 J.C. Penney gift cards for each of her kids, using coupons she found online and in the Star-Telegram.
“So far everyone has a new pair of shoes and two outfits each, pants and a shirt,” she said. “I still have a little bit left over. I got $400 worth of stuff for about $175.”
Valorie is grateful for the help from the Goodfellow Fund, and believes that God is about to change her family’s circumstances.
“Once I get blessed I have to bless others,” she said. So I know that someday I’ll be donating to Goodfellows.”
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.
This story was originally published December 11, 2016 at 1:48 PM with the headline "Goodfellow Fund helps mom of 5 provide something for Christmas."