A helper finds herself in need of help

Zoe's 8-year-old daughter has looked forward to taking Christmas gift baskets to children at a homeless shelter for the past few years.

But to give this year means she will have to do with fewer presents while her mom gets back on track financially.

"She said, 'Oh mama, if I have to get a couple of less toys, I really don't mind,'" said Zoe, not her real name. "I was so proud of her."

Zoe, 28, became familiar with the homeless shelter in high school when she helped paint murals there. Now, Zoe likes to help serve Thanksgiving and Christmas meals at a soup kitchen.

"I'm always kind of in the habit of doing something," said Zoe, who also has a 6-month-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.

This year, the family that gives had to ask for help itself when Zoe found herself out of work because of pregnancy complications. And that was after the family went from two incomes to one in January.

"I literally came home from work one day and their dad was gone," she said.

In March, Zoe was put on bed rest during her pregnancy. That forced her out of work until after her daughter was born.

Zoe turned to Northern Churches Care, one of 11 organizations that benefit from The Gazette-El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund.

The agency helped Zoe with everything from rent and food to haircuts.

"They were really great," she said. "You kind of hate to have to go do something like that, but it doesn't take much to go under when you're losing an income and a dad."

In July, Zoe returned to work. But things are still tough.

"I'm still pretty much playing catch up," she said. "When I was out of work I had to put a lot of things on credit cards. I'm still nervous about everything."

Northern Churches Care is still helping. Most recently, the group provided Thanksgiving dinner and other food.

"They are really sweet," she said.

- Anslee Willett covers general assignments and may be reached at 636-0366 or awillett@gazette.com

Glance

Zoe helps serve Thanksgiving and Christmas meals at a soup kitchen. In high school, she helped paint murals at the homeless shelter.

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