Dad struggles for self-sufficiency, hoping to do more for his kids

For Roberto, the hardest part of not having extra money is telling his children no ... but maybe next time.

"When they have something special in mind for their birthday or Christmas, it just gets hard trying to explain to them that we just don't have enough," said Roberto, not his real name.

Roberto is a single father, trying to raise three young boys on his own.

He suffers from a condition that does not allow him to fall into deep sleep. If he does, Roberto's esophagus collapses and he can't breathe.

Because he never sleeps properly, he suffers from chronic fatigue and has a tendency to nod off at any time during the day.

His condition has caused him to lose jobs; and despite surgery and other methods to cure the condition, he hasn't gotten much better.

Because sleep apnea, is classified as a condition and not a disability he doesn't qualify for any federal disability aid.

Despite his problems, Roberto tries to stay upbeat for his children.

"They're my best buddies," he said. "It's kind of a secluded life."

Roberto is trying to run his own business - cleaning concrete and sides of buildings with a high pressure washer - but so far, business has been sparse.

Roberto is also training to become a plumber's apprentice, but it's not paying the bills.

So he has turned to the Salvation Army, one of the 11 organizations that benefit from The Gazette-El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund.

The Salvation Army has helped with rent, utilities and food.

"I have three little boys and they eat like horses," Roberto said.

He hopes the Salvation Army also will help with a printer cartridge so he can make some more fliers for his business and attract clients.

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