I have been receiving Brighton Center services for two years; utilizing their emergency assistance program two or three different times. I did a good job keeping my family above water while my husband was away for a while. Then, my car broke down. I had to have two very major repairs which put me in a hole but I needed a car to get to and from work. My mother-in-law volunteers at Brighton Center and encouraged me to utilize the emergency assistance program to help stock my food cabinets, get on my feet, and save money to pay bills.
I was utilizing the Food Pantry for a couple months and hadn’t even been thinking about the upcoming Christmas season when my Resource Advocate, Madison, signed me up for the Holiday Drive. This is my first year participating in the Holiday Drive, so I didn’t know what to expect. I just thought it would be a few presents for the family. I have never received this type of help before but I knew I needed to do something. Through this Brighton Center program, we were “adopted” by a generous family that provided my kids with everything and more. I now have presents for my ten year old daughter, two year old son, and something for myself as well. To top it off, the gifts were wrapped! I am relieved to have this opportunity during the holiday season. Without it, I don’t know what I would have done. It’s touching to know that there are strangers out there that want to see my kids happy as much as I do. It provides me the opportunity to still pay my bills on time and have the nice Christmas my children deserve.
I really hope one day I am in a position that I can give back what has been given to me through the Holiday Drive. Christmas is a good time to show how grateful you are for your kids and I am so thankful that I am able to make Christmas happen for them through the Holiday Drive. At this time in life when I needed the help the most, it’s just wonderful.
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