Holiday Story
Adopt-A-Family Program 2002

My husband is very ill, having various health problems from diabetes (which caused a foot to be amputated) to having various heart by-pass surgeries. I have taken care of him for many years along with my son, who was a wonderful child until he found drugs, and at the age of 30 ended up in prison for an extended length of time. I now take care of my husband and provide for us by working a full time job.

With the help of the United Way Information and Referral helpline, when things got tough, I was able to call them and get assistance to pay a water bill that was 6 months past due and being threatened to be cut off. With my husband as ill as he is, we did not need to be without water. I was referred to the Salvation Army who helped pay the bill to avoid the water being cut off.

At Christmas time, the I&R holiday adoption program was nice enough to partner us up with a business who adopted our 2 grandchildren, who, if it had not been for the wonderful gifts we received, would not have had any presents to open on Christmas morning at Nana and Poppa's house - to them this would have been strange as we had always been able to provide for them and give them lots of presents.

Due to the rapid decline in my husbands health and the increase in medical bills that were not paid by insurance or Medicare, we were not even able to afford a turkey for dinner. Then, 3 nights before Christmas, we arrived home from a doctor’s appointment, and there on our front porch was a wonderful Christmas tree and a huge box full of food, including a turkey and some small wrapped gifts addressed to myself and my husband. I have never been so touched by the giving attitude of the members of our community.

A few short months later, more financial troubles arose and I had been unable to pay our gas bill for a few months, and they were threatening to cut off our gas. Due to my husband’s dietary issues, I need to be able to cook for him. So again, I turned for help, and with referrals from the Information and Referral Helpline, help from the Salvation Army and a local church they were able to pull together enough money to pay a portion of the bill to avoid the cut off so I could pay the balance the following month when my husbands disability finally came through.

Through my various places of employment, I have made donations to the United Way and other non-profit agencies, but it isn't until YOU need the help, that you realize just what that money is for, you never know when things are going to change in your life, but you do know that the help is always there when you need it.

Thank You United Way!

Please visit our Donations Section to find out how to contribute to the United Way of Greater Williamsburg.