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Community shares Christmas cheer with Light One Candle families By Buffy Pollock Jan 04, 2023 01:00 AM A A Carma Cotton, who turned 5 on New Year’s Day, is wrapped in one of many handmade quilts donated to her family as a result of the Mail Tribune’s Light One Candle series. [Courtesy photo] Carma Cotton, who turned 5 on New Year’s Day, is wrapped in one of many handmade quilts donated to her family as a result of the Mail Tribune’s Light One Candle series. [Courtesy photo] The Mail Tribune’s Light One Candle series this year helped community members facing tough times with everything from home furnishings and cash to cover necessities to warm clothing and even some holiday gifts to make the season a little brighter. The series kicked off in mid-December after giving a few dozen social service agencies the chance to nominate families or individuals in need. An Applegate family who endured a devastating fire on Halloween, still living in a fifth-wheel and tending to severe injuries incurred by a young father who helped them all get out safely, received some things they’ll need when they move into a new space. Mom Brandy Shaw said she was grateful to receive two beds, some bedding, clothing for the seven family members, shoes, a small refrigerator, dishes and other items, in addition to toys for her two special needs grandchildren. A 31-year-old survivor of sexual assault, who is raising her 12-year-old son with very little outside support, received a pair of gift card donations for fun activities the mother and son can do together as well as cash donations for immediate needs and extra food. Caseworkers said one donor even offered up a heartfelt letter of support. The mother told her son about the story — and let him read it — in the Mail Tribune. Susan Moen, with the Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team, said the community support made the boy feel cared for, and both mom and son “were very grateful for the help and the good wishes as they are navigating healing from a deeply personal and traumatic event that they don’t share with those around them.” A story about a dad raising six children on his own motivated at least 10 community members to step up with financial donations, grocery store gift cards, toys and clothes. An added plus, marketing management for the “Peppa Pig” children’s television show got wind of the story and shipped Peppa-themed toys for the family’s two youngest girls, said Erin Carpenter, CASA development and media manager. A Ukrainian family who escaped their war-torn country to find sanctuary with a host family in Ashland moved into their own house, on loan from a local church for at least two years. The family, who had to leave everything they owned behind and came to the U.S. with only a backpack filled with baby diapers and important paperwork, was given some items to help with their new beginning. Advocates from the Center for NonProfit Legal Services said the family was gifted several bikes, a TV, computer, laptop, dishes and holiday gifts. In addition, gift card and monetary donations were made — a total was not immediately available — and heartfelt response to a special request. The mother of the family, who ran a busy practice as a licensed chiropractor and massage therapist in Ukraine, was gifted two types of massage tables. Finally, in a story that tugged on heartstrings, a 17-year-old girl abandoned by her mother at age 15 — left to find her way in life entirely on her own — received a slew of donations to make the teen’s heart feel a little lighter. The girl works to maintain her own living space and is excelling in high school while planning her future. Having wished for some rare “down time,” the chance to get lunch with friends and maybe some funds to pick out some new clothes, the girl garnered over $400 in gift cards to use however she wished. Community Works Executive Director Barbara Johnson said one donor insisted the teen use their gift to go out for a special meal with family and friends. In an unexpected gesture, an employee at Asante reached out and offered some career mentoring to help with goal-setting for the future. Johnson said, “It has been heartwarming to see the support of adults she doesn’t know, especially because her young life has not had the positive reinforcement of adults in her past.” Reach reporter Buffy Pollock at 541-776-8784 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @orwritergal.