Season of Sharing: Young couple with toddler struggling to make ends meet

As we gather around our dinner tables this holiday season, it's important to remember that far too many people in the Yakima Valley have little to celebrate.

We don't always see their faces, yet we can't deny their pain.

Unfortunately, the agencies that screen the children, adults and seniors seeking assistance are stretched to their limits.

So they're hoping you can help during this Season of Sharing.

With information provided by local social service organizations, here are those in our community who need your compassion.

The rest is up to you ...

Young couple, 21 and 19 years old, with a 3-year-old daughter, is struggling to make ends meet. The father suffers from sleep apnea (a condition that causes the throat to close when sleeping). He has also gained a large amount of weight over the past two years. Only recently has he been able to get out to walk around for exercise. The 19-year-old mother works and goes to school.

The family needs help with household items (bedding for a twin bed and queen-size bed, dishes, pots and pans, laundry detergent and toilet paper). They would also like a bagless vacuum (used, in good condition). They need help with groceries (father is working hard to stick to a healthy diet).

The 3-year-old needs clothes (size 4T and size 9 toddler shoes). The little girl likes Dora the Explorer and baby dolls.

Mother could use clothes for work and school. She wears size 0-1 in jeans, size small in shirts and size 8 1/2 in shoes.

Dad wears size 4X in sweats and sweat shirts. Dad also likes to read fairy tale books and bedtime stories to his daughter.

If you can help, contact La Keenya Norris at EPIC Youth Services CRC at 969-4617. She's available for calls seven days a week and available for donation drop-offs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. She will also be available on Christmas.