NJ-2025-0034: FAMILY BACKGROUND: 51-year-old grandmother is raising her two young grandchildren during an incredibly painful and overwhelming season.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: 51-year-old grandmother is raising her two young grandchildren during an incredibly painful and overwhelming season. She lost her job due to serious medical issues and is no longer able to work, leaving her with no income. She suffers from severe arthritis in her knees, sciatica in her lower back, diabetes, and neuropathy on her right side. She manages constant daily pain and is on multiple medications, yet she still pushes herself to care for the children who depend on her.

The family suffered a devastating loss last year when the children’s father was murdered just five days before Christmas. Both children, only three and four years old at the time, needed counseling to cope with the trauma. The holidays are an especially difficult reminder of their loss. Despite everything, this grandmother remains strong for them, doing her best emotionally and physically even though her health limits her ability to work or provide gifts this year. She hopes for a little help to bring joy to her grandbabies, who have endured more tragedy than most adults ever face.

CITY: Newark

COUNTY: Essex County

HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 5

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 51
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women 18
Shoe Size: Women’s – 11
Wishlist: Jeans size - 18 women,Bath gels,Boots - size 11,Pots

CHILD #1:
Age: 15 Years
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Teen 13
Shoe Size: TMen's-9
Wishlist: Clothes, headphones, game system, sneakers, coat

CHILD #2:
Age: 4 Years
Sex: male
Clothing Size: boys 10
Shoe Size: 
Wishlist: Clothes, Spider-Man/Paw Patrol/Bluey toys, trucks, books, and big kids’ size 1 shoes.

CHILD #3:
Age: 3 Years
Sex: female
Clothing Size: Toddler 5T
Shoe Size: Little Kid - 10.5
Wishlist: Clothes, Bluey/Minnie Mouse/princess toys, and toddler size 10 shoes.