WHO: Marie, a 35 year-old mom of four children, ages 3, 5, 7, and 10.

AGENCY: Jewish Federation of Eastern CT, 28 Channing St., New London, CT 06320

HER SITUATION: Marie is a single mom trying to make ends meet with limited child support from her ex-husband who has a low paying job and Marie's part-time job of 30 hours per week. While all her older kids are in school, the 3-year-old still requires day care and Marie's mom is not always available so her limited dollars are stretched even further. Marie would like to be able to 'splurge' on some extras for the kids (clothes and toys) while still having enough to pay all her monthly bills and make her rent payment.

WHAT TO GIVE: Gift cards to Wal-Mart and/or area grocery stores, Stop & Shop/Shop-Rite, to help provide Christmas items and basic needs for Marie and her children Tara, Michael, James, and Stacy.

TO DONATE: Contact Jeannine or Beth at (860) 442-8062.