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New bicycles for an 8-year-old boy and his 7-year-old sister aren’t the only gifts to give this Eagle Point family momentum in the new year. Car repairs donated by a White City business will help to keep the kids’ mother in school and working to provide for their needs while the children attend therapy to heal from sexual abuse. The 33-year-old pregnant mother and her children are one among many households experiencing a happier holiday season because of generosity shown by readers of the Mail Tribune’s Light One Candle campaign. “This program provides an opportunity for the community to wrap these vulnerable families in a cloak of hope during a time of despair and crisis,” said Bobby Abernathy, director of development for Children’s Advocacy Center, which nominated the family from its client caseload. “It never takes away the hurt of the abuse these children suffer, but it does let them know that people care about them and what happens to them.” It was the fifth time over approximately two decades of reading Light One Candle that Rogue Valley native Rick Landis was moved to take action. The owner of Wolf Performance and Superior Automotive Service said he also solicits assistance from other local businesses who can furnish parts and other services, such as towing. “I see we can help,” said Landis. “I don’t hesitate.” After four days at Landis’ shop, the single mother’s 2000 Dodge Neon is running again. Because the car had been hit on the passenger side, and previous repairs were poorly done, said Landis, its engine mounts were broken, causing the engine to damage the axle. After his crew’s efforts, the vehicle will get the family to and from their home and commitments in Medford, he added. Improved transportation also is in store for an intellectually disabled man who works more than one job but couldn’t afford repairs to his 1992 Cadillac, which also needed new tires. Living Opportunities accepted a donation of new tires, including balance and mounting, along with $1,000 for car repairs at a local automotive shop. The 33-year-old Medford man was happy and grateful to hear the news as he set out for his daily walk to work in the rain, said Living Opportunities’ Jim Norris. Travel by public transportation will benefit a client of Center for NonProfit Legal Services. Rogue Valley Transportation District staff brought bus passes to the downtown Medford office representing the 63-year-old homeless veteran who is working to obtain his United States citizenship. The man also received about $100 in cash and checks, plus an offer of employment, said CNPLS attorney Sean Van Ausdall. Another CNPLS client who is finalizing her status as a legal permanent resident received several hundred dollars in donations, as well as gift cards to local grocers and big-box stores. The 40-year-old Medford woman, who feared for her life before leaving an abusive husband, was overcome with emotion when she received the contributions, said CNPLS attorney Laura Lindley-Gutierrez. “She felt so happy because lately she had been feeling depressed,” said Lindley-Gutierrez. “She has been feeling like everything was overwhelming — trying to just work her hardest for food and her rented apartment, where the walls have mold and the toilets are always clogged. “She felt cared for by the community, and she didn’t feel alone, trying to raise four boys and overcome her difficulties, all at the same time.” The woman and her sons — ages 12 to 18 — also received jackets and other warm winter clothing. Warm clothing, bedding, household goods and other gifts will comfort families sheltered by Community Works in Medford. A 29-year-old woman, who fled domestic violence with her 8- and 10-year-old boys, and an 18-year-old mother to an infant girl both will feel more at home this holiday season in new apartments provided by their Community Works connections. A formerly homeless college student represented by Community Works has funds in her account with Oregon State University. The 18-year-old who wants to be a neonatologist and works as a certified nursing assistant also received donations of scrubs. Other young women are closer to healing from trauma and realizing their dreams by pursuing art, physical activities and other outings with donated cash and supplies. A teen who experienced repeated sexual assaults and threats to her family and pets received $1,000 in art supplies carefully chosen by a local artist. Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team delivered the supplies just after the girl had completed an intensive art-therapy “retreat.” Redemption Ridge in Medford also accepted donations toward therapeutic and educational excursions for seven girls — ages 15 to 18 — who survived sex trafficking. Art supplies also were afforded to a 15-year-old boy whose family is grieving the death of his grandfather and is unable to pay their rent. Kitchen items, including small appliances, bedding, toys and some cash donations will soothe the spirits of this Talent family — also comprising a 34-year-old mother and 5- and 6-year-old brothers — represented by Family Nurturing Center in Medford. Another household facing eviction had offers to pay their rent, in addition to pledges of $1,000 through the donation platform on Southern Oregon Head Start’s website. The Grants Pass family with a special-needs child also received more than $100 in gift cards for food and clothing. A Medford family spending its first holiday together in more than three years was “overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness and love” from the community, said Wenonoa Spivak, deputy director for CASA of Jackson County. Almost everything the family could have needed arrived at CASA on their behalf, she said. Donations included small household furnishings, gift cards to family-friendly activities, the mall and local eateries. Clothes and toys for the children, ages 9 and 11, will brighten their holiday season. One generous community member even donated $1,000 to pay some of the medical expenses incurred by the 36-year-old mother’s chronic, debilitating illness, said Spivak. A hard-working Medford woman undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer can take a small rest from her family’s business, thanks to nearly $800 in gift cards and cash donated to Kids Unlimited in Medford. For this 38-year-old mother of five, who cannot afford health insurance, said Kids Unlimited’s Michelle Hull, Mail Tribune readers’ generosity is “the biggest blessing.”