2025 Christmas Connection, Day 7: Bring joy with slippers, headphones

The Tallahassee Democrat is partnering with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida on the Christmas Connection to spotlight 40 local families who need help this Christmas. New donated items will be accepted at the site in the old Macy's at Governor's Square from Nov. 30-Dec. 8. There are more than 500 needy families on the list. Here's how you can help with cases for 2025.

CASE 424: Cancer survivor raising 3 grandkids

PERSONAL DETAILS

This grandmother is a two-time cancer survivor who has been raising her 3 grandchildren with her husband for 11 years. The children's mother was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2014 and passed in 2016. After their mother passed and the father abandoned them, the grandparents adopted the children. Despite these challenges, the family is positive and involved in the community, their church, and school extracurriculars and sports.

CRITICAL ITEMS

Food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, blankets (1 twin, 1 F/Q)

FAMILY MEMBERS

Grandmother, Age 70

Suggested gifts:Bedroom slippers (6), socks, underwear (6/7), laundry detergent, pads, personal care kit

Grandfather, Age 75

Suggested gifts:Personal care kit, deodorant, XXL shirts

Granddaughter, Age 17

Suggested gifts:Headphones, perfume, make-up, lotion, pants (12 women's)

Granddaughter, Age 13

Suggested gifts:Headphones, perfume, make-up, lotion, PJs (14-16c)

Granddaughter, Age 11

Suggested gifts:Headphones, perfume, lotion, soap, hair accessories, PJs (10c)

CASE 429: Family lost husband/dad

PERSONAL DETAILS

This family lost its husband/father unexpectedly in May 2025. Now, the mother is raising the 2 boys on her own. She is trying to make ends meet financially, but this first Christmas will be especially difficult after losing the father.

CRITICAL ITEMS

Toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers (pull-ups) and wipes, gift cards for Walmart, Target, Chik Fil-A

FAMILY MEMBERS

Mother, Age 27

Suggested gifts:Dinnerware, queen bedding sheets and comforter, large 2026 wall calendar, ink pens, make-up/desk mirror

Son, Age 4

Suggested gifts:Bike and helmet (12" with training wheels), booster seat, Spiderman toys, books, games, clothes (7), shoes (13)

Son, Age 5

Suggested gifts:Booster seat, any sensory toys, stackable toys, magnet tiles, anything with alphabet or numbers, the movie Home, clothes (8), shoes (1)

CASE 434: Grandmother raising grandsons

PERSONAL DETAILS

This grandmother has been raising her 2 grandsons since their mother passed away in 2018. Despite recovering from a massive stroke, she has stepped up and kept the family together. She keeps the boys active, playing football and serving as ushers at church. They enjoy spending time together outside and watching movies.

CRITICAL ITEMS

Food, cleaning supplies, blankets (2 twin, 1 full/queen), gift cards for Walmart, Publix

FAMILY MEMBERS

Grandmother, Age 65

Suggested gifts:Queen comforter set in green, personal care kit, white blouse and Pjs (XL), paper products, bathroom cleaner, dish soap

Grandson, Age 8

Suggested gifts:Spiderman or Batman twin comforter, tablet, headphones, body wash, school uniforms, clothing – long sleeved shirt (navy, gold, or light blue) navy pants, PJs, winter jacket (18-20), shoes (9), books

Grandson, Age 7

Suggested gifts:Spiderman or Batman twin comforter, body wash, school uniforms, clothing – long sleeved shirt (navy, gold, or light blue) navy pants, PJs, winter jacket (14-16), books, bean bag chair, football, truck

CASE 446: Homeless family lives in campground

PERSONAL DETAILS

This family is currently homeless. They are currently residing in a campground, constantly moving to different areas of the campground until they can find stable housing. They are having trouble obtaining housing due to their credit history and low income. The family is able to spend time during the day at the oldest daughter's place.

CRITICAL ITEMSFood, toiletries, cleaning supplies, blankets (5 F/Q), dog food (Purina small bites), gift cards for Walmart, Dollar General, Target, Publix, gas, entertainment

FAMILY MEMBERS

Father, Age 53

Suggested gifts:Gift cards

Mother, Age 48

Suggested gifts:Gift cards

Son, Age 13

Suggested gifts:Type C phone charger, gift card for clothes

Son, Age 15

Suggested gifts: Type C phone charger, gift card for clothes, personal care kit

Daughter, Age 18

Suggested gifts:Silverware, hand towels, vacuum, kitchenware, cleaning supplies

CASE 447: Son with severe disabilities

PERSONAL DETAILS

The single mother works for the state and cares for her son with severe disabilities. The son has cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and is dependent on a feeding tube. The mother has Lupus and had a stroke in 2007 that caused her to lose the use of her left hand. In June, the family's home was significantly damaged when a tree fell on it. They are staying elsewhere until repairs are completed.

CRITICAL ITEMS

Food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, gift cards for Walmart, Dollar General, Target, Publix, gas

FAMILY MEMBERS

Mother, Age 52

Suggested gifts:Kitchenware, table top mixer on stand, care kit

Son, Age 13

Suggested gifts:Light up toys, bubble machine, books, anything Betty Boop

CASE 453: Mom, daughter fight illnesses

PERSONAL DETAILS

This mother is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is unable to work. Her daughter has a neurological condition, a form of MS and is under physician's care. The daughter is struggling in school due to bullying and at home after a brief appearance by her estranged father. The family lost their home during one of the recent hurricanes after which they resorted to living in a group home for several years. Given this family's ongoing medical, emotional, and financial challenges, they would greatly appreciate support this holiday season.

CRITICAL ITEMS

Food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, blanket (1 F/Q), gift cards for Walmart, Publix, gas

FAMILY MEMBERS

Mother, Age 33

Suggested gifts: Heaters, personal care kit, body wash, shampoo, soap

Daughter, Age 13

Suggested gifts: Full comforter in sage green floral (Full), room décor in earth colors or light pink, Sincerely Yours skin care from Sephora

How to give to Christmas Connection

Donate in person: Drop off NEW donated items at the Christmas Connection site at Governor's Square mall in the former Macy's store, 1500 Apalachee Parkway. The site opens Nov. 30 and accepts donations through Dec. 10. Monday-Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Adopt a family: Visit  thechristmasconnection.org/adopt

Dec. 6-7: Blanket Days: New blankets can be dropped off at the site. Blankets can also be delivered to collection drive sites listed on website.

Most needed gifts: Gift list is posted at  thechristmasconnection.org . Non-perishable foods, baby items, bicycles and blankets are in demand.

Wish List: Shop early with the Christmas Connection Amazon wish list. You can view the wish list at the website  TheChristmasConnection.org . Deadline is Dec. 11.

Donate online or by mail: Make a monetary donation online at  TheChristmasConnection.org  or send a check to Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 20165, Tallahassee, FL 32316.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 2025 Christmas Connection, Day 7: Families fight illness, lack homes