WHO: Mary, single mother of three boys ages 13, 11

and 9.

AGENCY: Stonington Human Services, 166 South Broad St., Pawcatuck.

SITUATION: Mary is unemployed and has been battling cancer for the past five years. The family struggles daily to make ends meet, according to Leanne Theodore, youth and family services administrator. She added that the family, which never sought assistance until recently, is the kind her agency has been seeing more and more of. "Almost all of her income goes to housing costs. I don't know how they do it," she said. "This family is in dire straits."

WHAT TO GIVE: Three sets of flannel sheets and comforters for single-size beds for the children. Long, warm winter coat for Mary (size medium). Stop & Shop or Wal-Mart gift cards for the family.

TO DONATE: Call human services at (860) 535-5015 or stop by Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.