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Car repairs, shoes, clothing would help Rogue River family Thursday Dec 8, 2016 at 3:33 PM Dec 9, 2016 at 4:08 PM Sarah Lemon for the Mail Tribune @thewholedish Editor's note: Light One Candle is an annual series sponsored by the Mail Tribune that focuses on an individual, group or agency who could use a helping hand during the holiday season. Once that need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need. A chronic, degenerative disease prevents this father of three from working. Unreliable transportation is a roadblock to his treatment. Repairs to the family’s two cars would safeguard the father’s medical appointments in Medford and Grants Pass and also pave the way for more activities outside their Rogue River home. Clothing and shoes would keep them warm and dry. After sending two children to Rogue River Head Start, the family receives support services through the school. Symptoms are so unpredictable for the 31-year-old man that his wife, 29, also is unable to work so she can care for him on days when he can’t walk, talk or see, said Shandi Phelps, Head Start family advocate. The man has applied for disability several times and, each time, been denied, said Phelps. The family lives on a very small income of temporary federal assistance and supplemental nutrition assistance, she said, yet maintains a positive outlook. Parts and labor to fix at least one of the family vehicles are their most immediate need. One car needs a new engine, and the other is plagued by dead batteries, possibly because of a broken headlight switch, said Phelps. Colder, wetter weather makes it more difficult for the family to walk or secure rides in someone else’s vehicle, she said. New shoes are needed for the 5-year-old boy and his older sisters, 6 and 12. They wear sizes 11/12, 12/1 and 7½, respectively. The boy and younger girl both wear youth clothing size 6/7. Their sister and mother both wear women’s small tops and size 1 or 3 bottoms. The father needs plain, cotton T-shirts, size large, and pants in size 33/33. To help, call Phelps by Dec. 16 at 541-582-1560.