Salvation Army Goes Above and Beyond for Single Mother During Christmas

As a single mother, Kristen Raphael is focused on building a better future for herself and her children. She is currently in her second-to-last semester of college. However, because she is finishing studies and taking care of the children alone, she is unable to work.

For the most part, Kristen has stayed afloat financially. However, last Christmas she needed a little help to give her daughter and the baby she was expecting a memorable holiday season. She turned to The Salvation Army in Prince George, B.C., which assisted in more ways than she anticipated.

“They helped me to have a Christmas with my children during a tough time.”

“They helped me to have a Christmas with my children during a tough time as I couldn’t get additional groceries,” Kristen shares. “My leftover money goes to hydro and rent.”

Kristen received grocery gift cards and presents for her children such as clothes and toys. At the time, Kristen had just moved. The Salvation Army’s staff took note of that and gave her some additional items.

“I was getting ready to move around that time, so I wasn’t financially secure. The Salvation Army gave me a bunch of gift certificates for groceries and household items like pots and pans,” Kristen adds.

When she signed up to receive Christmas assistance, Kristen filled out a form in which she mentioned the type of toys her daughter liked and that she was expecting another child. She was happy to learn all of this is considered when gifts are selected.

“My daughter was very happy ang got everything she needed and wanted for Christmas. The assistance gave her a lot of happiness, especially since she knows I can’t afford too much,” says Kristen.

“I just want to give a big thank you to The Salvation Army for all the support that we get when we need it.”

As for what she received, Kristen was very appreciative for the support, not only with the household items but also the grocery gift cards, which allowed her to buy healthy food options for her children.

“I am grateful for anything that I get. Being a single parent is very stressful to have all those financial burdens on you.”

Kristen looks forward to this Christmas knowing The Salvation Army is by her side.

“I just want to give a big thank you to The Salvation Army from my family and myself for all the support that we get when we need it.”

By Juan Romero