"Melanie's" kids were looking sharp and feeling great in new clothes the first day of the 2023-2024 school year.



It may not be a big deal for some families, but fresh outfits and shoes made a world of difference for single mama Melanie, her three teenage daughters and preschooler son.

"It was great," Melanie told The Press. "To be able to get the help to get the new school clothes was really a blessing."

Melanie recently made the difficult decision to leave a toxic relationship so she and her kids could have a better life, even though it meant twice the work and financial responsibility with no child support. It was especially challenging as the breakup took place right after she and her ex signed a one-year, $1,425-per-month lease.

"I work two jobs to pay the rent, my car and all my bills and still fall short," she said.

She had already overcome some major obstacles by the time she became the sole head of her household. Melanie has been in recovery from addiction for more than four years after putting herself through programming at Union Gospel Mission, a Press Christmas for All referring partner. 

"I've stayed sober, maintained a good job," she said. "In my personal life, I've got many things to be proud of."

After leaving that relationship, Melanie turned to the support system she developed at Union Gospel Mission for community and connection. She never asked for help with money. However, when staff members realized how dire her situation was, they connected her with Press Christmas for All to find a way to give this determined mom a boost.

"She was not seeking financial help from me, but in hearing her story and seeing her financial picture, I offered to help her find resources," said UGM's Kirsten Ridgewell.

Through the efforts of Press Christmas for All and partners UGM and Charity Reimagined, Melanie was awarded gift cards to ensure her children had everything they needed to go back to school feeling good about what they were wearing.

"You guys helped out with $500, so that was really awesome," Melanie said.

She said it's great the way the program makes such big differences in people's lives.

"Sometimes people have big needs and they can't always get help with those big needs," she said. "To just go through a process and have that done to where you have actual help in the cases that come your way, I think that’s way better."