NJ-2026-0102: Teacher and single mother in Belleville raising a teenager and a baby boy on one income

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A single mother in Belleville works full time as a teacher while raising her two sons, a teenager and a baby boy. She loves what she does, but a teacher's income makes the holiday season financially hard, and there are times she has to choose between paying rent and buying food or medicine. Her teenager loves science and is curious about how the world works. Her baby boy is sweet and loving, and he absolutely loves books and being read to. Her children mean everything to her, and she works hard to give them the best life she can. A sponsor's help this Christmas would take some of the financial pressure off her family and let her make Christmas extra special for both of her boys.

CITY: Belleville, NJ 07109
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: ESSEX
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 3
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: Autism; Developmental or learning disability, including ADHD
HOW THE FAMILY CAN RECEIVE GIFTS: US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, Santa Claus, or delivered in person by their sponsor or the Operation Holiday team

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 31
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's 10
Shoe Size: Women's 9.5
Wishlist: Blender, baking sheets, lip gloss, body oil

CHILD #1:
Age: 1
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Toddler 2T
Shoe Size: Toddler 6
Wishlist: LeapFrog learning toys, board books, mess-free coloring activities, arts and crafts, Yoto Mini (if possible)

CHILD #2:
Age: 15
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Men's M
Shoe Size: Men's 10
Wishlist: Wireless headphones, black crew-length socks, all-black Converse