NJ-2026-0032: Full-time working single mother in Lawrence Township, stretching every paycheck for her two children

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A single mother is raising her two children, an 11-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, in an apartment in Lawrence Township. She works full time and carries most of the family's financial responsibility with little to no help from the children's father. With rent, utilities, transportation and groceries, her income does not stretch as far as it used to, and she often has to choose between paying rent and buying food or medicine, sometimes deciding whether a bill can wait so there is enough food in the house. She is looking for a second job, though it would take even more time away from her children. Her children do not see the budgeting and sacrifices behind the scenes, and she wants them to enjoy Christmas morning without knowing she worried about it. A sponsor's help this season would give her some peace of mind and give her children a beautiful Christmas memory.

CITY: Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: MERCER
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 3
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: 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: 39
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's 2X
Shoe Size: Women's 12
Wishlist: Target gift card, ShopRite gift card, house slippers

CHILD #1:
Age: 11
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's S
Shoe Size: Men's 8.5
Wishlist: Men's white Air Force 1s, winter coat, hat and gloves, Roblox gift card

CHILD #2:
Age: 4
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Kids 6
Shoe Size: Kids 13.5
Wishlist: Princess robe, Gabby's Dollhouse Dandelion Magic set, Our Generation Kayla Arts and Slime doll