After graduate school, struggling mom intends to start donating to Goodfellows

Audrey was married for 16 years. Then, she wasn’t.

“We were separated for three years before I got a divorce this year,” Audrey said. “We just grew apart. It was more that I wanted to pursue different interests and he didn’t want to grow with me.”

With four kids ranging in age from 5 to 16, making a part-time job’s paycheck stretch to cover all the necessities is a challenge. Toss in trying to finish a master’s degree in sociology so she can ensure those kids have brighter futures, and there’s nothing left over for such non-essentials as Christmas presents.

“Having the Goodfellow Fund during the holidays is a tremendous blessing for my family,” Audrey said. “Their father helps out some financially for the children. It’s still tough only because I have four of his children and he has two others. It would be hard to support one child, let alone four.”

Three of those four qualified for $50 J.C. Penney gift cards usable for clothes and shoes.

“The younger ones need shoes and bigger coats,” she said. “The 9-year-old wants something like LOL shirts and hoodies.”

Audrey has three more semesters in graduate school.

“Then I hope to get a job in Health and Human Services,” she said. “I’ll never need Goodfellows again, but I intend to start donating.”

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.