LIMA — For years one local mother raised and provided for her children. In July of last year, life took a turn. Her adult daughter was incarcerated and she gained custody of her two young grandchildren in addition to raising her youngest three children.
Tamar fell into hardship after ongoing back pain hindered her ability to work normal hours. Canceled back surgery has left Tamar hoping and praying for a change.
Although she has many relatives in the area, Tamar said she receives no help or support.
She of course desires to have more for her children but circumstances have created hardships.
Tamar recently moved to a new home but does not have the basic necessities. Tamar is in need of a refrigerator, stove and a couch to fill her home.
“I have my grandchildren. Their mom and dads are incarcerated,” said Tamar. “I have no help from any of the family at all. No help with children. My back was injured from work. I was supposed to have back surgery but it was canceled due to insurance. I am trying to do everything by myself. Pay all the bills and take care of all the children.”
Tamar works as an STNA. She said she tries to work hours but they are sometimes canceled. Tamar also said her work with patients is the reason for her back pain.
Tamar has a 12-year-old son, Damian, who loves video games and electronics. He hopes for a game system to share with his 16-year-old brother, Luke. Damian wears a size large in clothes. Luke wears an extra-large. Both boys love sweatpants. Tamar has a 13-year-old daughter who loves electronics as well. She wears a size 10/12 in pants or a 0 in juniors. She enjoys wearing jeans.
Tamar takes care of her 2-year-old grandson, Gabriel. Like many young toddlers, he loves Paw Patrol and wears a size 2T. Tamar’s 4-year-old granddaughter, Bella, loves anything related to princesses and Gabby’s Dollhouse. Bella wears a size 7/8 or 10/12.
Tamar said her family is grateful for any help.
“Any help I could get I would be really happy, really grateful and thankful,” said Mary. “I am struggling doing it all by myself.”
If you want to help Tamar and her family in any way this Christmas follow the prompt in the fact box.
Names in the story are changed for the family’s protection.
The Adopt a Stocking Fund benefits families during the holiday season. Monetary donations can be given online at give.salvationarmy.org/stocking or via Adopt A Stocking; c/o The Salvation Army; P.O. Box 234, Lima, OH 45801. All material donations for a specific family should be dropped off at the Salvation Army, 614 E. Market St., Lima, and should include a copy of the article or the date the story appeared in The Lima News. See past stories at LimaOhio.com/tag/stocking.