WHO: Melanie is a mom with three children: Brandon, 13; Grace, 7; and Laura, 4.

AGENCY: Madonna Place

THEIR SITUATION: Melanie has just relocated to Norwich after fleeing from a domestic violence situation. She left with nothing, so she is now working on getting the basics for herself and the children, and securing employment, while trying to help her children feel safe and comfortable in a new community and school.

WHAT TO GIVE: The family is in need of gas cards to get to appointments, grocery gift cards, and Walmart/Target gift cards to begin to rebuild their home and buy clothing and some gifts for the children for the holidays.

TO DONATE: People can donate by mailing items to Madonna Place, 240 Main St., Norwich, CT 06360, or by stopping by the agency between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. People stopping by the agency can either label the donation "Make A Difference family," or ask for Deniel Fournier, who will get it to the correct place.