Make a difference: Alliance for Living

WHO: Linda, a 67-year-old grandmother of three, who became responsible for her daughter's children after her daughter became too ill from HIV to care for them any longer.

AGENCY: Alliance for Living.

THEIR SITUATION: Linda had her daughter move back home to New London after she was diagnosed with HIV. Her daughter's medications and health condition leave her with little energy, so like so many grandparents today, Linda is now raising her daughter's children. The kids range in age from 8 to 15. They are living on their mother's Social Security disability income supplemented by grandma's Social Security. Their Christmas wish is for mom to be well again.

WHAT TO GIVE: Gift cards to grocery and department stores.

TO DONATE: Donations can be dropped off at the Alliance for Living, 154 Broad St., New London, 06320. For more information, call Cheryl at (860) 447-0884, ext. 229.