This letter was received in December 2011.

I am 11 years old. Life for me & my family is very hard. Going to the grocery store with my mom is embarrassing. She always has me put things back because she went over her limit of money and they won’t let her write up any more credit. Most of the time we have a fruit for snack while other children have 2 or 3 snacks. Many times we have no lights or heat for a few days in a row. I feel like crying but I have to be strong. I know that our family is different and can’t afford regular things. I am always happy on Thursday night when I stay up and help. I get to see the counter filled with food & goodies. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to.