NJ-2026-0044: Single mother who adopted four young relatives to keep her family together

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A single mother in Dover made a big decision to keep her family together: she adopted four young relatives, her great-nephews and a cousin, so they would not be separated. Today she is raising them, now ages 17, 15, 14 and 12, with help from her own 24-year-old daughter, who lives with them. She manages vascular disease and diabetes, and three of the children have special needs: one is hard of hearing, one has autism, and one has a speech delay. The children love soccer, basketball, superheroes, drawing and painting. She is grateful for anything a sponsor can give her kids this Christmas, and thankful for this program.

CITY: Dover, NJ 07801
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: MORRIS
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 6
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: Diabetes; sickle cell disease or another blood disorder; developmental or learning disability, including ADHD; vascular disease; autism; hearing loss; speech delay
HOW THE FAMILY CAN RECEIVE GIFTS: US Postal Service; FedEx; UPS

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 46
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's 2X
Shoe Size: Women's 11
Wishlist: Gift cards to Walmart, Ross, Kohl's, Burlington Coat Factory and ShopRite

ADULT #2:
Age: 24
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's 3X
Shoe Size: Women's 10.5
Wishlist: Gift cards to Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory, Ross, Kohl's, Old Navy and ShopRite

CHILD #1:
Age: 17
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's XL
Shoe Size: Men's 12.5
Wishlist: Gift cards to Aéropostale, Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory and Foot Locker

CHILD #2:
Age: 15
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's M
Shoe Size: Men's 9
Wishlist: Iron Man toy or figure, Spider-Man and Iron Man items, gift cards to Foot Locker, Walmart and Burlington Coat Factory

CHILD #3:
Age: 14
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's M
Shoe Size: Men's 9.5
Wishlist: Soccer and basketball gear, gift cards to Burlington Coat Factory, Foot Locker, Old Navy and Walmart

CHILD #4:
Age: 12
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's 10
Shoe Size: Women's 8
Wishlist: Drawing and painting supplies, gift cards to Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory and Walmart