NJ-2026-0085: Single mother and teenage son sharing a couch at a relative's home while they rebuild after a separation

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A single mother in Paterson and her 13-year-old son are rebuilding after a separation. They are staying with family while she works toward financial stability, but space is very limited, and mother and son share a couch to sleep because they have no room of their own. She earns what she can from side jobs like Uber and Instacart, but the income is unpredictable, and she receives no government assistance. She is actively looking for full-time work and is waiting to hear back from several places. Every dollar they can save is going toward a place of their own that her son can call home. Her son is a kind, resilient teenager who has handled many changes with patience and understanding, and more than anything she wants him to feel secure and hopeful about the future.

CITY: Paterson, NJ 07503
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: PASSAIC
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 2
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

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 29
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's XL
Shoe Size: Women's 9
Wishlist: Winter coat (Women's XL), winter gloves, hat and scarf, comfortable sneakers (Women's 9), winter boots (Women's 9), hoodies and sweatshirts (Women's XL), jeans (size 14/16), leggings (XL), pajamas (XL), socks and underwear, warm blanket, twin bedding set, pillows, bath towels, insulated water bottle, lunch bag, toiletries (lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, lip balm), Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream face moisturizer, laundry detergent, household essentials, Walmart, Amazon or Target gift card

CHILD #1:
Age: 13
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's S
Shoe Size: Men's 8
Wishlist: Winter coat (Men's S), winter boots (Men's 8), winter gloves, hat and scarf, sneakers (Men's 8), hoodies, T-shirts and joggers (Men's S), jeans or pants (waist 30-31), socks and underwear, Monster Jam monster trucks, Five Nights at Freddy's toys or collectibles, board games, card games, puzzles, teen body spray or cologne, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, twin bedding set, blanket and pillow, backpack, lunch box, reusable water bottle, headphones, drawing supplies (sketchbook, colored pencils, markers, art kit), STEM building kits, basketball, soccer ball, bicycle, scooter