NJ-2026-0027: Mother of three boys, a domestic violence survivor rebuilding after a shelter stay

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A single mother is raising her three sons, a 15-year-old, a 10-year-old and a 3-year-old, in Elizabeth. She is a survivor of domestic violence who left her home so her children could be safe. After leaving, the family spent time in a shelter before receiving emergency Section 8 assistance and a place to call home again. They each left with only one bag and had to leave almost everything behind. During all of this she graduated from culinary school, and her two older sons started over at a new school and kept their grades up. They have been bullied because they don't always have the newest clothes, but they hold their heads high. She is still searching for steady work, and money has been very difficult. She is asking for a little joy this Christmas, so her children can enjoy the holiday without worrying about what the family can't afford. A sponsor's help this season would mean so much to her family.

CITY: Elizabeth, NJ 07206
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: UNION
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 4
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: Hypertension or hypotension; Developmental or learning disability, including ADHD
HOW THE FAMILY CAN RECEIVE GIFTS: US Postal Service; FedEx; UPS; Delivered in person by the sponsor and/or the Operation Holiday team; Delivered by Santa Claus

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 36
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's XL
Shoe Size: Women's 9
Wishlist: Walmart, SHEIN, Sephora, Fashion Nova and Amazon gift cards, Beats Solo 4 headphones

CHILD #1:
Age: 15
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's S
Shoe Size: Men's 11.5
Wishlist: Walmart, SHEIN, Nike and Adidas gift cards, Nike or North Face coat (adult medium), black Timberland boots, Nike sweatsuit (adult small, black or grey), hat and scarf set

CHILD #2:
Age: 10
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's S
Shoe Size: Men's 7
Wishlist: Roblox, Walmart, Nike and Amazon gift cards, iPad (he is learning to code and loves creating his own characters), stylus, iPad-compatible headphones, Nike or North Face coat (adult small, black or grey), black Timberland boots (kids 8), hat and scarf set

CHILD #3:
Age: 3
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Toddler 5T
Shoe Size: Kids 11
Wishlist: Chuck E. Cheese and Walmart gift cards, Joystone kids toy phone, 24V two-seater electric ride-on car with remote control, kids camera, preschool writing books, winter coat (5T), hat and scarf, winter boots (size 11), educational preschool toys