Keeping Adriana’s Kids Smiling on Christmas Morning
When Adriana’s retail hours got cut, she started to worry. How were she and her husband going to provide Christmas presents to their daughter Laylani? How do you tell a 3-year-old that Santa won’t be visiting this year?
Adriana was so worried that a coworker noticed – and, thankfully, told her about a place where she could get some help: The Salvation Army. She went to The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel, and they signed her up for the Angel Tree program, which provides Christmas presents to children, teens, and seniors who would otherwise go without.
“I didn’t know there was help out there like that,” Adriana said. That Christmas, she and her husband were able to give Laylani several toys – and help keep the joy of the holiday alive.
That was seven years ago, and every Christmas since, Adriana has signed up for the Angel Tree program, grateful for the extra help as the family’s needs have persisted.
While Adriana was thrilled to add Noah to the family two years ago, she suffered several medical issues after his birth. Her ongoing health struggles have made fulltime work impossible for Adriana. Then COVID-19 brought more medical issues for the whole family, and a reduction to her husband’s work hours.
Through all these struggles, the family has been thankful they’ve always been able to celebrate Christmas. Now 2-year-old Noah receives the toys and 10-year-old Laylani receives the clothes and crafting supplies on her wish list.
Adriana is grateful for the assistance, and happy that such help is available. “You brought smiles to my kids’ faces,” she said. “The Salvation Army is there for us in times of need.”